Ford’s Warriors in Pink: Who is Your Model of Courage?

Earlier this week, my 16yo daughter came home from high school and said, “There was a lady at school today handing out a bunch of stuff about breast cancer.” She proceeded to set down a number of items, including a brochure, keychain, and a lovely scarf.

I recognized the items right away as being from Ford’s Warriors in Pink campaign, a program to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. My daughter’s experience sparked a conversation between us about breast cancer, what she knew about it, and how tacked to our bulletin board right now is my doctor’s special order for my first mammogram – a year early (I just turned 39) because of my family history.

My maternal grandmother passed away from breast cancer at just 63 years old. I often think of my mom, who was 32 years old with four young kids (I wasn’t even 4 when my grandmother died; I do not remember her). She didn’t have her mom to call and talk to about the drama of teenage daughters, the news of engagements, weddings, and great-grandbabies. Whenever I hear someone suggest that breast cancer research steals the lion’s share of media attention, I think that if we knew more about it 35 years ago, maybe my mother would have had her own mom’s support, comfort, and advice in her life for much longer.

As part of Warriors in Pink, Ford created a short documentary called “Bang the Drum: Living Out Loud in the Face of Breast Cancer.” It focuses on the 11 Models of Courage who have each faced a dreaded breast cancer diagnosis and instead of withering or retreating, have decided instead to live their lives with more purpose. Take a look:

My mom is a model of courage to me when it comes to facing breast cancer. She lost her mother far too early, but I’ve never heard her complain or feel sorry for herself. Instead, she went on to raise four strong daughters of her own, and taught each of us to live with a little more purpose – a fitting legacy to our grandmother.

This October, Ford Warriors in Pink® has launched its first ever produced documentary, “Bang the Drum: Living Out Loud in the Face of Breast Cancer.” The film honors 11 men and women breast cancer survivors who have demonstrated strength and courage in their battle with its “Models of Courage” program. 2012 marks Ford Motor Company’s 18th year of support for the breast cancer cause. In that time, Ford has dedicated more than $115 million to the breast cancer cause.

You too can get involved in this tremendously worthy program! When you buy Ford Warriors in Pink apparel at fordcares.com, 100 percent of the net proceeds go directly to support breast cancer awareness all year long.

To keep connected, be sure to check out Ford Warriors in Pink on Facebook and follow@WarriorsinPink on Twitter.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ford Warriors in Pink. The opinions and text are all mine.
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