There is nothing unusual about a non-profit organization publishing a calendar. There is something very unique about this one. Life is a Carnival is a bold approach to mastectomy and reconstruction education.

This 2008 calendar features photos from FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered members who have undergone bilateral mastectomy -- with or without reconstruction. To retain the anonymity of the models, they are wearing mardi gras masks.

This project is meant to celebrate life after mastectomy, to showcase many types of reconstruction and non reconstruction options in a nonthreatening and positive light. The calendar contains information about the models surgery with references included to the chapters in the Breast Reconstruction Guidebook which explains each procedure. A secondary goal of this calendar is to raise needed funds for FORCE programs.

Visit Our Heroes website to contribute to the fight against breast cancer and domestic violence.

On the website you can create your own Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Tribute Fund or a Speak Against Domestic Violence Tribute Fund.

The Our Heroes website explains why a Tribute Fund is a great idea:

• It is an easy way to honor someone dear to you and at the same time contributes to a great cause.
• It allows you to tell your story about the Honoree and why you are supporting this cause.
• It allows you to raise awareness of the importance of fighting against breast cancer or domestic violence.

Go to the Our Heroes website to learn how you can get your own Tribute Fund started!

Fighting for Our Future:How Young Women Find Strength, Hope, and Courage While Taking Control of Breast Cancer. Beth Murphy spent two years studing young women with breast cancer and her book gives young women a valuable resource.

Fighting for Our Future talks about many issues related specifically to women under forty diagnosed with breast cancer. Some of this issues are fertility, pregnancy, negotiating treatment, living with the illness, sexuality and dating. It reaches out to the newly diagnosed and those living with metastatic disease to all in between.

Breast Cancer patients tell their own stories throughout sections of the book. They decribe treatment and procedures and give the real information that the young women need to know.