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June 03, 2008
The battle against breast cancer is being fought far and wide – and this fall the struggle will play out on the rugged slopes of the Himalayas. Pa‘ia resident Marie DeJournette will be participating in Sacred Trek-Bhutan for two weeks beginning in October, ascending Mount Chomolhari in support of the Breast Cancer Fund (BCF). Mount Chomolhari (at 23,997 ft.) is Bhutan’s most deeply venerated guardian peak, rising abruptly on the northern border with Tibet. DeJournette and a team of six other women will be reaching heights of almost 17,000 feet to raise funds and awareness for BCF. As part of their journey, participants commit to raise a minimum of $5,000 to benefit BCF’s research on breast cancer prevention. All climbers pay their own travel expenses, to ensure that 100 percent of the donations go directly to the Breast Cancer Fund.
DeJournette’s involvement with BCF began last year when she climbed Mount Shasta in California to raise money for BCF. She was inspired to do this by five of her friends who have survived breast cancer and in honor of one friend who lost her battle with the disease. De Journette climbed Shasta with 37 other climbers who collectively raised $600,000 for the organization. This year she continues her work for BCF by joining the Himalayan expedition.
The Breast Cancer Fund identifies, and advocates for the elimination of, environmental and other preventable causes of the disease. This organization is drawing attention to various controversial issues, and alerting the public to products that may lead to breast cancer, beginning with childhood exposure. From baby bottles leaching bisphenol A (a chemical that mimics estrogen and may increase breast cancer risk) to early puberty (which is a known risk factor for breast cancer) to toxic chemicals called phthalates, that are widespread in toys and still legal in most states. BCF’s website states that, “There is a growing body of scientific evidence linking chemicals and radiation in our environment to the current high rates of breast cancer. While 216 chemicals have been identified as mammary carcinogens by regulatory agencies, many other chemicals, especially those known as endocrine-disrupting compounds, are not classified by regulatory agencies, even though the scientific evidence linking EDCs to breast cancer risk is substantial and growing.”
BCF’s latest campaign, in conjunction with Luna Bars, is called Pure Prevention (www.pureprevention.org). Only one in ten women who have breast cancer have a genetic history of the disease. That means the majority of breast cancer sufferers may contract breast cancer due to environmental factors. By learning the facts, BCF’s goal is to help everyone make smart choices about the products they use and the choices they make every day.
There are a number of ways to contribute to DeJournette’s fundraising efforts. With a donation of $100 or more, a prayer flag bearing a name specified by the donor will be placed at the team’s top elevation. DeJournette’s employer, Mana Foods, has been a source of great support and encouragement, and Samantha Campbell volunteered her expert training services to help prepare for the strenuous ascent. There will be a fundraiser at Flatbread Pizza on Tuesday, June 24, from 5-10 p.m. Flatbread will donate a portion of each pizza purchased and there will be a silent auction with contributions from local vendors such as Mana Foods, Maui Kombucha and Anthony’s and several Maui artists, as well as live entertainment from Cheryl Rae and friends. More information about the Breast Cancer Fund visit www.breastcancerfund.org.
In addition, you can donate online or by mail. A check can be made payable to Breast Cancer Fund and mailed to: Marie DeJournette, P.O. Box 791298, Paia, HI 96779. www.breastcancerfund.org/sacredtrek08/mdejournette.
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