Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

Did you know that:

• nearly one million people in the United States carry a hereditary cancer gene mutation which can lead to an increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer?
• approximately 10% of all breast and ovarian cancers are hereditary and run in families?
• this genetic mutation can increase the risk of breast cancer risk by nearly 85% and ovarian cancer by up to 60%?

Individuals who comprise these statistics include Melissa Etheridge, actress Christina Applegate, and Florida House Representative Debbie Wasserman (D, FL).    

I know from my own experience how devastating this can be.  I lost my Mom to breast cancer when I was 12 years old, when she was only 35 years old.  Then in 2000 I found out that I also carry the genetic mutation that can lead to breast and ovarian cancer.  FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered was and remains the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of and improvement the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.  FORCE continues providing lifesaving information on the latest medical treatment and risk management, resources, and awareness.  FORCE enables individuals and families to make informed decision regarding their health care. 

I'm personally involved with FORCE and have been since finding out my genetic status.  I currently serve as Director of Database Management, St. Louis Outreach Coordinator, Helpline Volunteer and on the Board of Directors.  I believe my passion for FORCE and our mission speaks for itself.

Cancer genetics, personalized medicine, targeted therapy, cancer prevention: all these topics are on the cutting edge of cancer research and care.  All are areas of interest to our community.  With your help FORCE can continue to stay one step ahead of cancer by advocating for research dollars for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and keeping our community aware of the most up-to-date information, resources, and research in treatment, detection and prevention. 

To help FORCE help our community, I've agreed to raise a minimum of $1500 in donations with a personal goal of $2500.  But I need your help.  A donation of only:

• $1,000 delivers the latest in BRCA research and information to 500 families.
• $500 gives 60,000 visitors access to our website for one month.
• $300 provides a scholarship to our conference to one person that could not otherwise attend.
• $200 provides life-saving information to 100 people through our newsletter.
• $100 provides phone-based support and resources via our Helpline for one month.
• $50 provides a package of informational brochures to doctors offices and hospitals.

Would you consider making a donation to help educate and empower families at high-risk and to help me meet my goal? 

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.  Donations are tax-deductible and 100% of the funds go to the organization to continue our mission.  Many companies will also match donations made by their employees.  Please ask your employer if your company has a matching gifts policy. 

If you would like more information about FORCE, please visit www.facingourrisk.org.  I'm also available to answer any questions you may have as well.  Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too! 

Sincerely, Cathy