Lighting the Way to a Cure for Breast Cancer

In the United States alone, more than 200,000 men and women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. More than 40,000 of those people will lose their lives to breast cancer. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is raising public awareness of this deadly disease and partnering with retailers nationwide, including Pier 1, to raise funds for research, education, screening and treatment programs.
Help Control Your Own Destiny

While being female and getting older are the two greatest risk factors to developing breast cancer, there are many personal, everyday lifestyle choices that can be adapted to give you the best chance possible to try to prevent this deadly disease. “Not all risk factors can be controlled,” says Cheryl Perkins, MD, senior clinical advisor for the Komen Foundation. “But by maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle, you can give yourself the best chance to control your own destiny.” Other risk factors include having more than one alcoholic drink per day, gaining weight as an adult especially after menopause, taking birth control pills for five years or more and having your first child after the age of 30.

Eating a well-balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, and being physically active may also decrease your chances of developing breast cancer especially if you are premenopausal or are a younger postmenopausal woman. “Exercise reduces estrogen levels, fights obesity, lowers insulin levels, boosts the immune system and makes you feel great,” says Dr. Perkins. “It’s also important to be aware of the latest developments in breast cancer research and stay well-educated about the disease and its risk factors.”

Fight the Good Fight

You can also fight breast cancer by supporting organizations that are working to find a cure for the disease. Many organizations partner with retailers to raise funds for breast cancer research and community outreach programs.

“Pier 1 Imports has proudly supported the Komen Foundation for more than 13 years and has sold the Komen Candle at our stores nationwide for seven years,” said Pier 1 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Marvin Girouard. “The work done by the Komen Foundation is of critical importance and Pier 1 is honored to contribute to it.”

Each year, Pier 1’s Komen Candle features a new design. This year’s candle is significantly different from previous editions. The pink mosaic glass candle is larger than past Komen Candles and features Pier 1’s “Morning Bloom” scent. Previously available August through October, this year’s Komen Candle will be available at Pier 1 locations nationwide through May 2005. Twenty-five percent of the purchase price (less tax) benefits the Komen Foundation. Last year, sales of the candle raised more than $200,000 for this worthy cause.

“Pier 1 has long been identified as a premiere source for candles -- and we are proud to use our expertise for a greater good,” says Girouard. “All of us have been affected by breast cancer in some way. Purchasing this candle for yourself or someone else is a great way to support a worthy cause and serves as a thoughtful gift as well.”

To purchase the 2004 Pier 1 Komen Candle, visit any of the more than 1,100 Pier 1 locations nationwide or visit www.pier1.com.