THE “C” WORD
By Jim Foster
This article is way out of my area of expertise BUT it’s one I believe needs to be written.
For those of you who have been reading this blog for a few years you noticed that last year I added a new sponsor – ALPEN OPTICS.
This company has beginning this year jumped into the fight against cancer – more specifically breast cancer - with both feet. Hence, it is the subject of this article. Thanks to those who helped with gathering the information used here.
Breast cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is considered a heterogeneous disease—differing by individual, age group, and even the kinds of cells within the tumors themselves.
Obviously no woman wants to receive this diagnosis, but hearing the words “breast cancer” doesn’t always mean an end. It can be the beginning of learning how to fight, getting the facts, and finding hope.
Women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except for skin cancer. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women.
Each year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. A fact not widely known is that in addition to women approximately 1,700 men will also be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year. Wake up guys.
In January of this year Alpen Optics introduced its new Alpen Pink 263P 8x25 compact and Alpen Pink 393P 10x42 full-size binocular. Alpen® Optics is the first optics company to partner with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and will make a donation to NBCF to help fight breast cancer.
“Pink is the color most associated with breast-cancer research,” says Vickie Gardner, vice president of Alpen Optics.
The NBCF is committed to spreading knowledge and fostering hope in the fight against breast cancer. By funding free mammograms for women who could otherwise not afford them and supporting research programs in leading facilities across the country, NBCF helps inspire the courage needed to win this monumental battle.
Now when you buy your next pair of binoculars you are helping the NBCF fight this dreaded disease.
I feel honored to have Alpen as a sponsor and be on their Birding Pro Staff and totally endorse this worthy effort.
Thanks Vickie!
If you have comments or news for Jim Foster please email him at: jim@jimfosteroutdoors.com
