It is no secret that our culture has a fascination with celebrities. In attempting to figure out exactly why, I have come to the conclusion it might be no more of a mystery other than they are people we all know in common. As human beings, we are naturally intrigued by other human beings. But if I try to talk to you about my neighbor, and you do not live in my neighborhood, you will have no idea who I am talking about or how to relate information I am sharing about that person because you have no point of reference. However, celebrities are people we all know of -- they become familiar in that we hear about them every day -- we see images of them every day in the news.

Before being diagnosed with breast cancer, a woman might not have paid much attention to breast cancer. Oh yes, the breast cancer awareness campaigns are raising awareness, but we do not really like to spent too much time dwelling on potentially life-threatening events unless we are compelled to do so -- usually with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Over at Silicon Valley Moms Blog, Tekla blogged the top ten things this group of moms have learned since they began blogging seven months ago in Moms boobs and other lessons learned. Interestingly, and unfortunately accurate, number six on the list is:

"6. If you talk about breast cancer, your blog stats go way down for days and days. Everyone knows it's something women need to deal with, but clearly no one wants to read about it."

And so, if you are newly-diagnosed with breast cancer, or know someone who is, and haven't spent much time focused on breast cancer before diagnosis, there are many women we all know in common who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and many of them as breast cancer survivors. In time, you will personally meet other breast cancer survivors and realize you are not alone and be inspired by their hope, strength, courage and companionship. Until then, you can read an extensive list of 100 famous women who have faced breast cancer down and gone on -- here.

In 2004, Deanna Favre, a young mother, 37, with two small children, was diagnosed with breast cancer. In a healthy lifestyle where she does not smoke, drink, eat fatty foods and exercises regularly, she did not have any of the risk factors for breast cancer. Favre discovered the lump during a self-examination, that left her shaken and terrified. With the support of her husband, Brett Favre, Green Bay Packer quarterback, she got through the diagnosis and treatments. When learning of his wife's breast cancer diagnosis, he considered quitting football. In an interview, Brett stated, "All I know is that when you hear cancer, it sounds like a death sentence," he says. "It's not and it's treatable, but I still didn't want my wife to have it. I was worried sick for her safety. And for our girls, who could lose their mom and would run the risk of having it. Nothing positive went through my mind for a while."

"People tell you -- look at the bright side and you go -- hey, what bright side?" Brett helped Deanna set up the Deanna Favre Hope Foundation to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support programs. Deanna also travels, speaking to women's groups about breast cancer survivorship. Her foundation has an online merchandise store where you can purchase breast cancer support items. 

I have been reading the sports columnists snarky take on Brett Favre's press conference that was intended to include an announcement of Favre's plans on whether he will play football again -- or not -- in the coming season. However, during the press conference, he stated he was not sure of his future plans. This is where the columnists get snarky, and I am reasonable sure all the crankiness might have something to do with the fact they expected something Favre did not deliver. New information on the status of his football career. One columnist began with, "In one of the last improbable acts of his already storied career, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre upstaged SpongeBob, the Wiggles and Dora the Explorer. Favre became the must-see TV that early morning risers had to watch, the alternative to the kids favorite cartoons. A Super Bowl hero trumping superheroes." Another sports reporter finishes his column with a palm-reading prediction, that "Not making a decision is making a decision. He's already made one. He just doesn't know it." Yeah, right -- we'll see.

From the perspective of those living with cancer, or has a loved one who has fought for their life against the disease, this state of indecision is understandable, if not unavoidable. When faced with mortality, top priorities in life can slip away, and when faced with mortality, it can become a struggle to envision a future. Making plans and making decisions about tomorrow take time. The concept and course of tomorrow is irrevocably altered. In the last two years, Favre has faced mortality with the death of his father and brother-in-law, and the breast cancer diagnosis of Deanna, his wife. If Favre got the reporters up too early on a Saturday morning, to give them news there was no new news, they could have gone back to bed and taken a nap. Give the guy a break for now because, unless you have experienced the aftermath of cancer, you have no idea what Favre means when he says he does not know what he will do tomorrow. He still may not be sure there is one.