Everything seems to be overshadowed with Breast Cancer- and lets face it Nov is not far off, so what do we do ?

Hello Garance I agree - everywhere you look is PINK! If it helps to give some ideas to anyone who is thinking of raising awareness and/or funds I'll set out my efforts so far (and just hope that they come to fruition!)

I have designed a Christmas card which can be bought from this site - details to follow.

I am using the tag-line "Bubbles to Mouth Cancer" and have contacted a major soap-powder manufacturer (who happens to be local) to see if they will sponsor me or donate any products which can be used in a publicity event involving Mums and children - the children will have balloons and blow-bubbles - and get the local press/TV to come along.

A coffee morning on the 15th November with cakes stall/raffle/tombola/white elephant/Christmas cards etc.

Cashing-in on my husband's 60th birthday asking guests to donate to Mouth Cancer instead of buying him a present (if they so wished!

As you know, my niece has run the Bristol Half Marathon raising over £900 for Mouth Cancer.

I have set up a "justgiving.com/brendabrady" page which means I don't have to handle lots of cash, plus the Foundation can claim the tax back on donations.

There are a few other "irons in the fire" which may or may not come off but, as you say, time is running out so we have to move fast.

I couldn't possibly do all of this on my own as I still have lots of pain since my last operation and don't have as much energy as I once did! But I do have a wonderful army of friends who 'come up trumps' when needed so, hopefully, we will raise some funds and lots of awareness along the way. We will be wearing the Mouth Cancer tee-shirts for all these events (the soap powder will come in very useful by the end of that week!)

Any more ideas will be very welcome? Cheers Bx

Brenda you're a star!

Has anyone been in touch with the sunday supplements for articles relating to head and neck cancers ?

Dear Dr Vinod Do you think it would be helpful, whilst trying to raise funds during MCAW, to have a specific aim in mind? Are you looking for funds for a particular piece of equipment for instance? or a project that needs funding? -research etc. People often ask "what is the money going to?" and I'm sure you answered this question last year but I can't find the email. I know the main aim is to raise awareness rather than money but as money is coming in it would help me to "be prepared". Many thanks. Brenda

Hi Brenda

We would be spending the funds on both raising awareness and supporting patients, carers and health professionals.

The Mouth Cancer Foundation is sending out over 40,000 free posters to both dental and doctor surgeries across the country to pin up in waiting rooms in time for the Week. The poster is eye-catching, explains the facts about mouth cancer, how to reduce the risks, and lists the top 10 symptoms to look out for.

Funding for further awareness materials will be required.

Funds would also go towards the setting up of an MCF support telephone helpline for the public.

All funds would go towards the objectives of the charity.

All the best, Krishan

Dear Brenda. Just wanted to say. You are inspirational. Well done. Michelle.x

I hope I don't sound uncaring, but, I agree. All we see is breast cancer all the time. I know cancer is cancer wherever it is, but it musn't overshadow other cancers. All cancers are equally horrible and devastating for all involved. Please, please, please, let's hope someone can find something to cure this terrible thing, where ever it may be, before too long. Love Michelle. x

For some of us it is no longer a question of whether to support breast cancer charities or mouth cancer. It is only just over 3 months since I completed radiotherapy following the removal of a tumour in the upper jaw. This week i have been diagnosed with breast cancer and will be having surgery on 1st November. It's like you say, michelle, all cancer is horrible and i feel angry that i have a double dose of it within a year. The breast cancer has nothing to do with the mouth cancer. Until this year I have always been fit and healthy; I am only 56 and remarried 2 years ago. I remain positive and optimistic about the future and though i feel God is testing me, my faith is still strong. I just get fed up with this body - i feel it has let me down1

Hi Maggie, this must be a blow, what can I say,What distinguishes the cancer-cell from the normal body-cell is an overestimation of its own ego.I just feel you have a strong mind set to beat the Bastard. Just sorry to hear that you will have to gird your loins for yet more treatment.Keep us posted.Big Bear Healing Hugs.
Dream about a big bear hugging you, in native Americans believe that the Bear is the healer, I had constant dreams of a big bear hugging me, so I went on a web site to find out what it ment.Garance

Dear Maggie I'm so saddened to hear of your dreadful news - of course all cancer is devastating. Trying to rally the troups into doing something for Mouth Caner week wasn't meant to demean the great strides made in breast cancer awareness. I happened to be listening to the Jonnie Walker show on Radio 2 last night and one of his guests was Jane Tomlinson (I think that's her surname) who has battled with breast cancer for years. She is still very young with three young children but what an inspiration she is to anyone suffering from cancer. I'm sure you will have heard of her and hopefully can take something from her attitude to life and her determination not to let this illness stop her from achieving the seemingly impossible goals she has set herself (we can't all be running marathons I know!) It's great to hear that you are staying positive and optimistic and you don't need me to tell you how successful the treatment is for breast cancer patients. Like you, I wonder what God is playing at in putting me through all this. If you have an answer please let me know! Love Brenda