This morning an op-ed piece was published in the LA Times called “The Trouble with those Boobies Bracelets.” This article concerned me for a number of reasons and as the founder of Save the Ta-tas I want to make sure you know what exactly we do that is different than other breast cancer groups out there.
1) The article states: Groups with names including ta-tas, boobies, etc. are suppressing discussion of real cancer
The Truth: We not only discuss real cancer on the Save the ta-tas blog http://savethetatas.blogspot.com/ and on our foundation page, but we have products that encourage discussing cancer, our foundation supports researchers doing research on real cancer, and we give out scholarships for students battling cancer.
2) The article states: "Experts no longer recommend self exams for anyone"
The Truth: Some experts, but definitely not all.
Taken from the Winter 2010 Pink Press: "BCRF Advisors have reviewed this report [Set forth by the US Preventative Task Force about women not needing to do self breast exams] carefully and we do not endorse the proposed guideline changes. There has been a clear and consistent reduction in the rates of death from breast cancer in every country, including the US, that has instituted a regular screening program."
3) The article states: Our agenda is "mushy" at best
The Truth: A donation of almost 3/4 of a million is not mushy. That's what you have helped us give every time you buy something from our website or a retail partner. We also have a college scholarship program that awards students fighting or who have battled cancer. We also participate in countless fundraisers that aid to the awareness and fight against breast cancer. It is VERY DIFFICULT to create that kind of a donation through a hard working small business. We've been able to do it thanks to our fans and friends who keep coming back to buy.
40 The article states: "The idea that you are taking action merely by wearing a titillating bracelet is not a great life lesson."
The Truth: Actually, at savethetatas.com it's by adding up the donations created by each sale, big or small, on our website, at our 1000+ retailers and through our many licenses that generates the money that supports our many initiatives that fight REAL cancer in a REAL way. Using your purchasing power to buy a product from a trustworthy company that gives back is a great life lesson.
For those of you who know and love save the ta-tas for who we REALLY ARE, please read this article, and take the time to defend us, comment on the article, write a letter and tell Peggy and the LA Times about all the great things we are doing together. Because WE ARE. Thank you so much.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-orenstein-boobies-20110419,0,7726424.story
6 comments:
I definitely shared my 2 cents worth on this article. As a very recent, 33-year-old survivor, I found that offensive and that reporter needs to actually do her research and not assume to speak for "us." Thank you for sharing that article with us! Keep up the amazing work!!!!
The comments on the LA Times site have already reached the stage of, "You are stupid!" and "I'm Rubber and You're glue". Sad that a paper's site will so quickly degenerate when the subject matter is as important as this one. Keep up the work YOU do, and let they who don't bother to check it out continue to sound like Charlie Sheen.
Julia,
I posted on my blog today about your organization and plan to continue it tomorrow. I hope you'll agree that I fairly represented her organization.
However, I feel that it's important to note a couple of things. We have the platform for a critical issue right now. Ms. Orenstein should not be painted as the "them" to your "us."
We'll never make any progress that way. I think if everyone keeps an open mind and heart, we can have a real dialog here and maybe learn something from each other.
Thank you,
Katie @ Uneasy Pink
Your organization, I meant. Not "her." I get a chance to make a big point and end up with a typo.
Katie
Hi Katie, thank you for posting. I agree and I make an effort not to be us and them. I hope that comes across... Thank you for your blog!
Julia,
You didn't sound us vs them. I am just disheartened by so many of the comments that I read.
Thanks,
Katie
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