As a breast cancer survivor, Melissa Etheridge, diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2004, always believed she would win her battle with breast cancer. On Valentine's Day 2005, she celebrated the end of chemotherapy and radiation treatments by performing onstage at the Grammy Award show. Etheridge, a two-time Grammy winner, multi-platinum recording artist, mom, and breast cancer survivor, has released a greatest hits CD, "The Road Less Traveled," with a song dedicated to breast cancer survivors called "I Run for Life." She donates all record royalties from that song to breast cancer charities. The chorus lyrics from that song are:

"I run to hope
I run to feel
I run for the truth
For all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your wife.
I run for you and me, my friend. I run for life."

Etheridge fans started a Pink Bracelet Fund to raise awareness and money for breast cancer, with all donations going to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. Etheridge has always been a very active supporter of many good causes. The breast cancer community can expect Etheridge to be just as vocal and active in the cause for breast cancer awareness, education and research, because women like Etheridge, who stand up front, and live outloud, rock!

Illuminade is a blogging reflection of a life turned upside down by breast cancer. With the love and support of family, she travels the breast cancer survival journey blogging the positive, the good, the hopeful moments - the mostly pleasant and life-affirming moments - she encounters along the way. Illuminade points her readers to the story of Abigail "Nabby" Adams, daughter of United States president John Adams. In 1811, when Nabby Adams was 42 years old, she discovered a lump in her breast. The essay of her breast cancer experience, two hundred years ago, the medical treatments available, and what Nabby had to endure, is chilling.

When Jacki Donaldson found a lump in her breast while showering, her doctor sent her in for a mammogram. Because she was the youngest person waiting to get a mammogram, she took it as a sign the lump was nothing serious. Mammograms are not recommended for women until they reach 40 years of age. Donaldson was only 34 years old, too young for cancer, she thought. The day before Thanksgiving, her doctor called to tell her the news. Donaldson had breast cancer.

When she started keeping my Breast Cancer blog, she intended it as a way for family and friends to stay informed of her progress. Her blog grew in readership, beyond the sphere of family and friends, to include other cancer survivors and strangers who care. As she kept blogging, she realized the blog served several purposes. Comforting words from readers quiet her worries, lift her mood, and give her inner strength. Readers are thankful for her blog and her willingness to share her breast cancer experience, because it motivates them, informs them, and helps them. Blogging is a great way of creating connections. Connections that heal.