Celebrities are not superhuman.
They do not possess powers that keep them from harm. They are susceptible to anything that common, everyday people are. Lately certain celebrities have decided
to come out and talk about their experience with breast cancer.
Melissa Etheridge, Cynthia Nixon, Sheryl Crow and Christina
Applegate are just a few celebrities
who have declared their battle with breast cancer. All have survived their diagnosis but that does not mean they have finished
dealing with cancer.
Celebrities are attempting to do their part to help prevent breast cancer from harming more people. Dave Edenfield, junior studio art major, said that “celebrities
who have cancer help gain awareness because they have the resources to promote and discover
a cure.”
The famous are doing their part. The charitable foundation Stand Up To Cancer was developed
by the Entertainment Industry
Foundation. It is supported by anyone in the media and entertainment
world who has been affected by cancer.
Last month, alone, Stand Up To Cancer raised over $100 million
during the television broadcast
on ABC, NBC and CBS. The show included a theme song called “Just Stand Up.” It was performed by Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Fergie, Carrie Underwood, Leona Lewis and Ciara.
“So many women suffer from breast cancer, but it’s not something
that has always been so easily discussed,” Lauren Brown, senior elementary and special education major, said. “But with the few celebrities that have come out recently stating that they suffer
from cancer, people are starting
to take notice.”
October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness month. Celebrities are already gearing up to support the cause. Ellen Degeneres
and One a Day Women’s vitamins
have created a plan to call women all over the country and leave them personalized messages
to remind them to get a mammogram
or perform a self-exam.
“I love Ellen,” Olivia Torrence, sophomore undecided major, said. “If Ellen called me for any reason that would be awesome and if it was to remind me about doing a breast exam, I guess that’s cool too.”
Amy Winehouse is doing her part. She was photographed naked with only a guitar and two pieces of tape covering her breasts. It is a bold statement and holds an even bolder message. This photograph will appear in British magazine, “Easy living,” for breast cancer awareness.
Promoting breast health is not something only celebrities can do. People can do their own part by purchasing merchandise, such as the breast cancer awareness
bracelet from Payless Shoe Source, which benefits the breast cancer research foundation. There are also ribbons, t-shirts, stickers and other paraphernalia that is available.
