Fifth Annual Early Environmental Exposures Meeting

11.13-14.08 / FREE / Wynfrey Hotel, Birmingham

Hey left-brain thinkers (and eager-beaver righties): This scientific meeting of the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Centers (BCERC) network will build on the relationship between biological and epidemiological lines of breast cancer research. The latest scientific findings from the BCERC will be presented, as community and advocacy concerns will be part of the program, too.

What will be covered? Basic biology of breast development, influential environmental exposures, breast deveolopment and public health communication of risks.

Audience members are expected to be BCERC members, area breast cancer scientists and community, environmental health and breast cancer advocates. Register–only 220 will be seated and fed.

For more information, visit the BCERC.

Lee National Denim Day

10.03.08 / $5 / Anywhere

Fabulous pair of back-to-school jeans? Check. Five bucks? Check. Want to help raise money for the cure? Hoping that’s a check.

Lee’s National Denim Day was an idea as Lee employees saw that they had each been touched by breast cancer. Since 1996, the event has rocked a “one day, one cause, one cure” mantra and has raised more than $70 million dollars. Chandra Wilson of Grey’s Anatomy and Tim Daly of Private Practice have been named spokespeople for 2008. There are two ways to participate.

• Teamwork: Grab friends and family and start a team. You’ll receive a participation packet to help drum up visibility. You can also join an existing team.
• Stand alone: Alas. Oct. 3 is your board meeting/big presentation day and the debut of your new tweed suit. Make a tax-deductable personal donation.

So weather your gorgeous gams get their fix in Joe’s (Gatsby cut, anyone?) or skin-tight Rock & Republic’s, dark-washed Hudson’s or all-American Levi’s, pull ‘em out on the 3rd.

Philosophy Shower for the Cure

It doesn’t take a Sephora queen or a QVC expert to know the popularity of philosophy products. This creamy all-in-one product can be used as a shampoo, shower gel or bubble bath. Milk proteins and fruit essence are oh-so pleasant.

And if the shower is where you get your thinking done, mull over the poem on the back of the bottle written by philosophy founder Cristina Carlino.

The Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund gains 100 percent of the shower gel proceeds. Try finding many companies that donate this much to the cause. And at $20 a pop, they might as well throw bottles at you. The stuff’s that good.

Get you some.

Susan Komen Birmingham Race for the Cure

10.11.08 / Linn Park, Birmingham

Take the fight against breast cancer to the streets. The 17th Annual Susan Komen Race for the Cure 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk is back. So you need more incentive? A limited edition 2009 V-6 Ford Mustang Convertible courtesy of Long Lewis Ford awaits the speediest participants.

For more info, visit komenncalabama.org or call 205.930.8886. If your running shoes seem to be lost when October 11th rolls around, plenty of volunteer positions need to be filled, or purchase a Pink Ribbon Lane bow to honor a loved one.

4th Annual Celebration of Mothers and Daughters Concert

10.23.08 / 5:30 PM / $50 / The Alys Stephens Center, Birmingham

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama will host the talented songbird Mae Robertson and her daughter Cally. The duo recently recorded an album titled In White Light to benefit the BCRFA.

Accompanied by their band, the musicians on the Sirote Theatre stage will comprise a who’s who of musical connections. Emceed by BCRFA Board President Dianne Moody, the event kicks off with a catered reception in the lobby at 5:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 6:30 p.m.

All proceeds from the purchase of their album will go directly to breast cancer research.

For more information, visit BCRFA Celebration of Mothers and Daughters Concert. To purchase an album, visit maerobertson.com.

Hershey’s Tour de Pink

10.03-06.08 / Hershey, PA to New York City OR right here in Alabama

Hey southern cyclists–how about a crisp bike ride a few miles north this fall? The 5th annual Hershey’s Tour de Pink four-day bike ride is on again. The Tour de Pink benefits the Young Survival Coalitition and 100 percent of the money riders raise goes to the YSC.

Due to an overwhelming number of riders registering, the four-day Tour is closed. But one-day rider openings are still available! Register online or contact tourdepink@youngsurvival.org or 646.257.3027 for more info.

Stuck in Alabama? The genius Virtual Rider option is for anyone who wants to accomplish riding 210 miles in their own way. The course through your neighborhood, spin-class exercises or in your makeshift home-gym can count! Grab some friends and make a team.

The Tour also welcomes donations.

Think Before You Pink

A penny for your thoughts: In October, retailers pull out all the stops. Pink is splashed on everything–Vera Bradley items, umbrellas from Bloomies and Sephora goodies. And companies can be thanked enough for their willingness to help.
But did you ever stop to think that some may have jumped on the bandwagon to simply boost sales and image? Breast Cancer Action launched a campaign in 2002 called Think Before You Pink. This October, before you pull out your plastic for a purchase or bag a rose-tinted item that you’ll never actually use, ask some questions:

• How much of this purchase will be donated to breast cancer?
• What is the maximum the company will donate?
• How much money was spent marketing this product?

Help out the campaign and take action.