Bringing you news once a week on the ongoing 60 Postcards journey (you can read a summary of the story here), and on Friday I share a story of an inspirational person, project or cause.
Hey there!
This week’s inspiration post is about a charity and another movement which are doing a fantastic job at raising awareness about cancer and to encourage people to get fundraising and spread the word.
COPPAFEEL
The lovely Kris was just 23 years old when she discovered a lump in one of her breasts. At such a young age it was brushed off as hormonal by doctors but over half a year later with the problem still there, Kris and her family were fighting to find out what was wrong. At this point Kris was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the worst thing about it was that the disease had already spread to her spine.
Kris’ story really stops and makes you think. We shouldn’t be complacent. We should never believe we are safe just because we are under a particular age range. Kris was undergoing chemo and radiotherapy when she should have been out and about living the life a 23-year-old should. But what Kris chose to do next is wonderful…
Kris (along with her twin sister, Maren) created the charity Coppafeel. I’ve no doubt a lot of you will have heard of them – several of you have mentioned the charity to me since the start of my posts on inspiration! The aim of the charity:
“We’re on a mission to stamp out late detection of breast cancer. We ensure that you know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, know what your boobs look and feel like normally, check your boobs regularly throughout your lifetime and have the confidence to see a doctor if you notice anything that doesn’t feel right for you.”
Coppafeel remind us that as well as assisting on the diagnosis side of things, a big point is encouraging people to be proactive in the hope that we can catch the cancer earlier. Especially as over 2000 cases were diagnosed at stage 4 last year.
Kris is one brave young lady, selflessly working – and fighting – to help others in the same situation as herself, or even before. They are similar to Check One Two which I have blogged about previously, I think there could be a potential collaboration there. Double the amount of voices raising awareness!
FOLLOW Coppafeel: Watch a vid, visit the site or follow on FB or Twitter.
STAND UP TO CANCER
“CANCER, YOUR TIME IS UP”, says Stand Up To Cancer – a collaboration between Cancer Research and Channel 4. Right now they have launched the beginning of a two month stint of fundraising all over the country, building up to a night of live TV on Friday 17th October.
People are able to sign up for a fundraising pack online and are encouraged to create an event (no matter how small or large) to help to raise money for research. I am brainstorming some ideas myself and will keep you posted in case you would like to get involved!
Another way that you can be part of the fight is by attending the ‘March on Cancer’ which will take place around 15 cities in the UK at 7:30pm on Saturday 11th october. This is your chance to march in a group, make a stand and educate others on this fantastic cause, with the hope that more money will be made.
FOLLOW Stand Up To Cancer: Visit the site or follow on FB or Twitter.
Yet again I am left feeling completely inspired and raring to go. So many ideas whirling around my head about ways to get involved with the charities above and so many more. Because, the truth is – the only chance we have at putting up a decent fight against this devil of a disease, is if we build up an army of as many enthusiastic fundraisers and messengers as possible. I’m signing up.
Speak to you next week.
Rach x
60 POSTCARDS 