"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." -Mahatma Gandhi
Dear Friend of BB!,
For this month's newsletter, Mary Beth asked me to reflect on my experiences with the organization. It all started back in October 2008, when I was a reporter writing a column about local charities. I met with co-founders Mary Beth and Rene to write an article about what the young BB! was all about (read that archived article here, in fact). I really emotionally connected with them at that meeting for many reasons, one of which was that my mother died of (lung) cancer when I was a teenager and they totally understood what kind of emotional toll cancer takes on families. A memento they gave me at that first meeting was a copy of the 2008 A Calendar to Live By, now coming up on its tenth edition for 2017! I loved reading through it, especially the breast health guide, and I promised them I'd be better about doing my self-exams (and I have been ever since)!
Here we are getting ready to launch the tenth calendar, and here I am on the inside, not the outside, of this fantastic organization! (I help part-time with marketing, social media and communications.) Seeing how much time, love, and dedication are put into the making of each calendar only reinforces my knowledge that it's a useful, beautiful creation - not only full of tips on taking care of yourself as a young woman, but also as a tribute to women who are trying to find their new fabulous after getting the life-altering diagnosis of breast cancer. I invite you to find a way to be a part of our celebration of the upcoming 2017 A Calendar to Live By, either through a sponsorship or by attending the Pink Carpet Gala where we'll premiere this tenth edition!

Lots of July Smiles,
Desiree Parker
We hope you'll consider sponsoring our 2017 A Calendar to Live By! The deadline is July 10, and we want this year to be the best ever, so we need your help. For as little as $50, you can 'hang' out with us! CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR!
What's Happening at BB!?
Mr. Breast Fest Crowned!
We are proud to introduce Mr. Breast Fest 2016, Scott Mielock (he's pictured here on the left.) We are so excited to have him represent us at events throughout the next year and beyond! Breast Fest raised over $4,000 for Beyond Boobs! We'd also like to extend congratulations to Robert Glover (pictured right) on being our runner up. Way to go! Special thanks to Chesapeake Homes, Just Dance On, Virginia Oncology, and all of the wonderful contestants who worked to raise much needed funds. Thank you to the Eagle's Nest in Chesapeake for allowing us to host the event there! We love you all!
Psst! News flash: when you shop Amazon Smile on Prime Day July 12, Amazon donates to Beyond Boobs! Shop for great deals here! If you're an Amazon shopper, be sure to register for Smile and select us as your charity of choice, please!
BLOG
The Women Behind the Boobs!
Our fab BLOG writer, Jamie McAllister, spent time interviewing all the staff members who make BB! the wonderful nonprofit that you know and love! Check out this BLOG entry ( click here) about Vicki Vawter, Events and Community Relations Manager, and then go back and read all the other profiles so you can get to know THE WOMEN BEHIND THE BOOBS!
Facilitator Book Launched!
Our BB! Richmond group facilitator, Melissa Weaver, has written a new book called "RECONSTRUCTION: Defying Cancer and Building a More Purposeful Life." Join us in congratulating her! Here's her website link, read on to hear what she has to say about it:
Have you or someone you know experienced loss, tragedy, or trauma?  Are you desperately looking for solid ground to rebuild? Do you want to be inspired to not just exist, but to lead a life that you can be proud of? Would you like to ultimately become the hero of your own story? Although this book is a personal story about my journey with breast cancer, it has been written for anyone who has been knocked over by tragedy or loss and is desperately searching for solid ground on which to rebuild. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and breast cancer survivor, I have spent countless hours in meetings or appointments specifically focused on reorganizing, restructuring, and/or rebuilding one's business, life, or priorities. But the question remains: how many individuals or organizations actually make change happen? "RECONSTRUCTION: Defying Cancer and Building a More Purposeful Life" will provide both the inspiration and knowledge to take the steps needed to create a more resilient YOU.
Click here to get the paperback or Kindle version, here for the book trailer. 
July Calendar Model!
CHARITY, 43
DIAGNOSED AT 40
NO FAMILY HISTORY
Career Navy and single mother to two adolescents, Charity reached to scratch an itch while lying in bed one night and felt a large, hard, painless lump. The military doctor she saw two days later sent her for a mammogram, followed by an ultrasound and biopsy... click here to read Charity's story!
Save the Date!!
The 10th Annual Pink Carpet Gala to premiere
"A  Calendar to  Live By"  2017 
is happening SEPTEMBER 17, 2016!!
Click here for details or to get tickets!
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For Your Health!
 The sleep hormone melatonin may be able to make tamoxifen stronger, meaning less may be needed for effective treatment.
from Science Daily
Mindfulness Meditation May Help Breast Cancer Survivors
Mindfulness meditation seems to help breast cancer patients better manage symptoms of fatigue, anxiety and fear of recurrence, a new study suggests. HealthDay has the full story here .
Paleo Breakfast Wraps
from
Try this delicious Paleo Breakfast Wrap as a new twist on an old favorite! Make it vegan by subbing another protein for the meat. The full recipe is on The Health Journal here.
THANK YOU!!
to our calendar sponsor this month:

THANK YOU 
to our sponsors!

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 
Beyond Boobs! is dedicated to healing and saving lives by supporting young women diagnosed with breast cancer while providing breast health education for all.