When a question or concern or worry related to breast cancer pops into my head, I typically find myself parked in front of my computer in search of instant answers, instant comfort, instant wisdom. There are several different websites I consult -- each one different from the others, each one complementing the others. They are my reference tools, my handbooks, my encyclopedias. They offer me a clear picture of a confusing, cloudy disease. And here they are -- seven super websites that have been become staples in my life.

Many college students are beginning their pursuits in higher education with private scholarships. Each year, millions of dollars are awarded to college students as a result of private gifts that flow from alumni and donors. These scholarships help universities compete for the best and brightest students. And the beneficiaries of these scholarships are many. Universities get what they want -- good students. Students get what they want -- funding for college. And the community gets something too.

Lauren Mareno, a senior at Kent State University and recipient of a Reach for Excellence scholarship, has been reaching into her community and is leading campus-wide efforts to raise money for the American Cancer Society -- an experience that has exposed her to new career opportunities. While she pursues a psychology degree and a certificate in non-profit management, Mareno -- who lost her own father to cancer at the beginning of her freshmen year -- serves as co-chair for the Relay for Life event. In April she saw the fruits of her labor blossom as more than 60 student groups participated in the 24-hour campus walkathon that raised more than $75,000.

Mareno sees more community outreach in her future and she is eager to continue raising funds for causes that are meaningful to her -- and to so many others too.

Despite tensions between the United States and the Middle East, Laura Bush announced Monday a plan to raise breast cancer awareness in the Middle East -- first with partnerships with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia and later with Morocco and Jordan. Joining forces also with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and Johns Hopkins Medical Center, the First Lady outlined a plan that will allow governments, hospitals, researchers, and survivors to work globally to defeat breast cancer. Campaigns specific to each country will target research, training, and community-outreach programs. The reason for this partnership -- to raise awareness in countries where women are too embarrassed or too uninformed to seek treatment -- stems from compassion and human decency and a desire to form diplomatic friendships too. Laura Bush, whose own mother is a breast cancer survivor, shared that the tragedy of losing a loved one to breast cancer -- and the joy of watching a loved one survive this same disease -- is felt universally. Breast cancer affects all women in all countries. Borders make no difference in this matter. And helping save lives is the right thing to do.

I love candles. I have two sitting right next to me at my computer so at night when my little boys are sleeping and it's quiet in my house, I can peacefully relax and write. I'll take any candle -- although I prefer those with a strong scent and cinnamon is probably my favorite. I do have one pink candle that I like a lot. And it  just so happens to be a breast cancer candle -- I think I have just about every pink breast cancer product made and will eventually write about them all. This candle, from Pier 1 Imports, was a gift from my mom and comes in an iridescent mosaic glass jar. The glass is pink and the candle is pink and it even comes with a pink ribbon lapel pin. Twenty-five percent of the purchase price -- which is $14 -- is donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for breast cancer research and outreach programs.

My pink candle sits on a bookshelf in my dining room, next to my scrapbooks and some framed photos. I bring it out now and then -- I don't want to use it up too quickly -- and enjoy the sparkling colors and the gentle scent. Candles melt away some of my daily stresses and anxieties. And this candle, in particular, reminds of me of my own breast cancer journey as it flickers with light and hope.