The Cause - Breast Cancer

"In the U.S., a woman will die from breast cancer, on average, every 13 minutes." -  Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BRCF)

In 2008, after a brave and inspiring battle against breast cancer, my best friend and my hero...my mother, Fariba, took her last breath on her destined thirteenth minute. She was only 51. My beautiful mother was the sharpest, most charismatic and charming woman many people had ever met. She was an exemplary mother who trusted me and my younger brother to always do the right thing...and so we usually did. Her laugh and sneezes were loud and full-spirited. She enjoyed Persian movies, Sean Penn and Daniel Day Lewis movies. She loved "Dancing with the Stars" and usually agreed with Simon on "American Idol." She was a very healthy person and there was no reason to think she would ever get breast cancer. I mean, there was no history of cancer in our family and my mom never smoked and rarely drank. She ate healthy meals and exercised regularly - she was a fitness and aerobics instructor. Why did she get breast cancer?

It seems as though we've come a long way with breast cancer research, and we have, yet women (and men) are still being taken from loving families and friends. Every little bit of money helps researchers, so 10% of Sogo Photography's proceeds will go to support both the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BRCF).

Resources

For helpful information about breast cancer:
Breast Cancer Research Foundation
BreastCancer.org
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
National Breast Cancer Foundation
City of Hope - Los Angeles-based hospital (one of the best for cancer), they may give you a good reference for a hospital near you.

If you or someone you love has breast cancer and is uninsured, the above organizations may be able to help, but you should also ask your state about the following programs:

Major Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP) - This can be pricey, but you can get PPO insurance coverage. There is a waiting list of two to three months for this coverage and then another three months or so before you can get coverage on the pre-existing condition (this secondary wait period does not apply for HMO coverage). Read up on California's MRMIP and get all the details on how to qualify.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP) - This functions like Medical and it's for women under 65 years old. You can use it as primary insurance coverage or, if you have private insurance, this can act as your secondary insurance if you reach your maximum alloted private coverage. You have to meet certain requirements to qualify, but they don't look at assets. You can get covered within a few days and it's retroactive. Read up on California's BCCTP and find out how to qualify.