I just purchased my very own End Breast Cancer license plate. For years, the back of my mini-van has displayed a University of Florida plate -- and while I am proud to be a Florida Gator, I am more proud to be a breast cancer survivor. I survived college -- seven whole years of college -- but I fought harder to survive breast cancer. I gave more and endured more and invested more with breast cancer. I feel accomplished and rewarded by this undertaking in a way that doesn't compare to college -- which is quite an undertaking in itself. So this new license plate reflects the me of today -- the me with lumpectomy scars and a port popping up from under my skin and my dark, curly post-chemo hair. Unlike the me of long ago -- with no scars and blond, straight hair bouncing in a ponytail or hanging out the back of a ball cap.  My University of Florida license plate suited me then.  My breast cancer plate suits me now.

The proceeds for my purchase -- just $25 more than a standard Florida plate -- go to the Florida Breast Cancer Coalition Research Foundation, a non-profit grass-roots organization dedicated to the eradication of breast cancer through advocacy, education, and research. Many states feature a breast cancer license plate. The appearance and message written on each plate are different but the purpose is the same -- to raise awareness and funding for the fight against breast cancer.

I still have a big Florida Gator sticker on the back of my van.  But it now shares space with my pink ribbon magnet and my new license plate too.  I am a traveling billboard.  And I'm proud of it.