hardcandycalendar.com BLOG » Breast Cancer Awareness

Femme:ME 2

Administrator — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:04:40 +0000

Nobody likes labels but sometimes they’re necessary. Everyone once in a while a lady wants 2 assert her position in this society. Confidently. Emphatically. And simply.

The Femme:ME t-shirt does just that. With the word FEMME in bold and classy letters and the last two letters, ME emphasized in an opposing colour.

Available on a wide variety of products at Kinetic CArds & Gifts e-boutique at cafepress in the brand new Femmesational! section.

In Memoriam: Alaina Reed Hall

Administrator — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:58:30 +0000

Information is still developing, but Alaina Reed Hall passed away today at the age of sixty-three. The cause of her death has not yet been officially reported but the actress, best known for her roles as Rose Holloway on 227 and Olivia on Sesame Street, has been very public about her ongoing battle with breast cancer. She participated in the documentary “Breast Cancer Examined: An African-American Perspective,” to commemorate 2009 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and share her courageous approach to fighting the disease.

Born Bernice Ruth Reed in Ohio, Alaina Reed began her career in early 70s theater, appearing in Broadway and Off-Broadway productions such as Chicago, Hair, and Eubie. In 1976 she landed the role of Sesame Street’s Olivia. From then until 1988 Reed presented children with one of the earliest depictions of positive black womanhood, demonstrated the warmth of adult sibling relationships with her brother Gordon, and straight up taught us letters and how to count. In 1985 Reed joined the original cast of 227 as Rose Lee, one of my favorite black sitcom characters ever. Rose was sassy but sensitive, responsible but mischievous, and always good for showcasing Reed’s excellent singing voice through some wacky plot device like a church choir solo or random sing-off that would somehow keep everyone in the buidling from being evicted.

Kevin Peter Hall (the 7′2? actor who portrayed Harry in Harry and The Hendersons and Predator in the movies of the same name) guest starred as Rose’s love interest on 227 and in 1988 the two began a real-life relationship, marrying both on the show and in real life. Sadly, he passed away in 1991 from complications of AIDS contracted through a blood transfusion. 227 was canceled that same year but the now Alaina Reed Hall continued to act until her death, steadily appearing on sitcoms such as A Different World, Friends, Ally McBeal, and making the best of a recurring role on the short-lived series Cleghorne. She also returned to her theater roots with a one-woman show, “Alaina at the Bijou.”

Womyn Sets Record for the Cause

Administrator — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:29:17 +0000

Monday, November 9, 2009

Largest Bikini Parade-Kellogg Company sets world record

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa–287 bikini-wearing South African women paraded down 1,690 meters of Melrose Arch Boulevard-setting the new world record for the Largest Bikini Parade.

With high spirits the women led by SABC1’s Live presenter Bonang Matheba celebrated their femininity by making a difference in creating awareness for breast cancer in South Africa, as Special K® made a donation to the non-profit breast cancer awareness group, Pink Link.

Other local celebs there were 5FM’s Grant Nash with his radio co-host Anele Mdoda there to show the girls their support.

“As a brand, Kellogg’s® Special K® understands the importance of assisting women to look good and feel fabulous, no matter what their shape or size.
We were delighted to see tall, short, boyish, curvy, pear and apple-shaped women all have the confidence to do things ‘their way’, and participate in the Largest Bikini Parade,” remarked Sarah Mansfield, corporate spokesperson at the Kellogg Company of South Africa.

“We decided to front this initiative to break the Guinness World Record™ for the Largest Bikini Parade as we believe in the celebration of women and their bodies, and all the participants most certainly celebrated their femininity, whilst making a difference for breast cancer in South Africa.” concluded Mansfield.

The previous world record for the Largest Bikini Parade held by America stood at 281, but Kellogg’s Special K and cancer awareness group Pink Link managed to attract 287 women in bikinis to Melrose Arch in northern Johannesburg.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could get something like this going on here in Chicago?;)

Peace, Love, Joy….. & Hope

Administrator — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:30:03 +0000

Peace, Love, Joy, Hope Greeting Card available at Kinetic Cards & Gifts

i never needed nor wanted another reason 2 b an advocate 4 breast cancer awareness but i got one. my aunt. i just found out this past weekend that she had breast cancer. she said it quickly and matter-of-factly. no emotion in her voice at all. i, on the other hand was shook. with all my knowledge about survival rates and such, i still began 2 worry.

actually, i did more than worry. i cried. i know i shouldn’t. i know that with early detection, a woman can beat it. hell, i’m living with a survivor! but that didn’t stop me from feeling scared. that didn’t stop me from thinkin about the radiation. the chemo. and all the things that those treatments do 2 a person. i know my aunt is a strong person. she’s come thru many other obstacles in her lifetime. she will come thru this.

so yet another woman i know affected by breast cancer is in my prayers. this time it’s my blood. so now when the doc asks me do i have family history, i’ll say yes. not looking forward 2 that. but it’s not about me. this calendar isn’t about me. it isn’t about vanity. it’s about them. it’s about love. it’s about peace. it’s about Hope. things we all need this holiday season.

-Jenn-