*Giveaway* – Love, Love, LOVE….your BOOBIES!

Instead of a typical Valentines Day giveaway, I wanted to do something different. Something that would help make a difference. I’m sure you’ve all seen or heard about the infamous “I love boobies” bracelets, t-shirts, etc that have been known to cause some stirs (especially in schools)? Whether you have or haven’t, today is the day where you NEED to know about them….and the AMAZING company behind them. I highly encourage you to check out their website (link provided to the right – in bold) and learn more about Keep A Breast. Since the Keep-A-Breast slogan is “i love boobies”…….I figured the “Day of LOVE” (Valentines Day) would be a great day to show LOVE and support for raising breast cancer awareness. Keep A Breast donated the most AWESOME basket FILLED with Keep A Breast items (including t-shirts, a bunch of bracelets, stickers, buttons, a water bottle, flags, a lanyard, etc!) for me to give away! ***TO ENTER TO WIN, JUST LEAVE A COMMENT (here on this blog entry)!!*** I will announce the winner on Wednesday – February 16th. Here is what you can win!…..

Rotten, toothless kid is not included ;)



Along with the giveaway, I wanted to share breast cancer stories from a few people in my life…..


Jaden’s story (my friend’s son)…….

“It was December 2005, when we first found a lump on Jaden’s chest. He was 2 years old at the time and like most people, we didn’t think anything of it. To be sure, we took him to our pediatrician to have it checked out. He checked it out and told us it was probably nothing and that we should keep an eye on it and so we did. After a few months, we noticed the lump started to get bigger so we took him to see the doctor again. That time, they decided to run some blood tests to check his hormone levels and perform an ultrasound. The tests came back normal and again we were told to keep an eye on it and that it was probably “nothing”. Over the next year, we continued to go through the same routine appointments not getting any answers to what Jaden’s lump was all about. It wasn’t until January 2007, when we were finally referred to a specialist who recommended that Jaden have surgery to remove the lump from his chest.

That February, Jaden underwent surgery to remove the lump from his chest. We were terrified that our son, now 3 years old was having his very first surgery, but hopeful that the lump was probably some sort of growth and continued to be “nothing”. A few days later, we had a follow up appointment with his doctor where she told us the devastating news. I remember it like it was yesterday…hearing the doctor say the words “cancer” with Jaden’s name in the same sentence seemed unfathomable. All of a sudden, the “nothing” we’ve been talking about for over a year is now “something” and it wants to hurt your baby. Nothing can prepare you when someone tells you your child has cancer. I felt numb all over not wanting to process what the doctor was saying; I was in disbelief. Our son is only 3 years old and you’re telling us he has secretory carcinoma, an extremely rare form of breast cancer? How could this be? How could this happen? Even our doctor told us that she had never seen a case like Jaden’s before.

In March, Jaden had to have two more surgeries to have the tumor and infected breast tissue, as well as his nipple from his right side removed. I remember crying so hard the day of his first surgery when they wheeled him away into the operating room. To see your child lying in a hospital bed, is the worst feeling in the world. As a family, it was the absolute hardest thing we’ve ever had to go through in our lives, but we were determined to fight this thing, one way or another. Being so young and innocent, Jaden didn’t really understand the impact of his condition…he just knew he had an “ouchie” and that the doctors were going to fix it. Throughout the entire process, Jaden was incredibly strong and resilient and so brave! As a result of the surgeries, Jaden did not have to undergo chemo therapy or radiation treatment for his cancer. We were beyond happy and thrilled when the doctor called us a few days later to tell us the good news that Jaden’s surgeries were successful and that he was completely cancer-free.

Today, Jaden is a healthy, typical, 7 year old boy, who loves to read, play soccer, chess and video games. He is currently in the 1st grade and is also learning to speak Mandarin. He’s very friendly and social and loves playing with his friends. He is such a funny, loving and caring big brother who continues to make us proud through his actions and through his amazing heart, every single day. Today, when people see his scar on his chest and ask him “what happened?” he proudly points to it, laughs and says: “Oh, that’s my tattoo!” :) Despite the difficult journey, we believe this experience has brought our family stronger and closer together and we are thankful to God and to our of our dear family and friends who have supported us through it all.”








Kat’s story (some of our best friends’ mom…who is like another mom to us)……

“My name is Kathleen Herrera! AKA Mamakat of Mamakat’s Restaurant in San Marcos, CA. I live a crazy, active life as a busy restaurant owner with 4 beautiful grandchildren, two more on the way. My experience with this disease has given me gratitude for my life, and taught me to enjoy every day, no matter how mundane or unfullfilling that day was!! Guess what? If we are lucky, we get to have tomorrow! I try to use my disease to remind me that each day can be a beautiful one. A sweet or mischevious smile from a granddaughter, helping a customer with a problem, listening to their health problems or stories, makes my day more meaningful.

The word cancer does not scare me, it makes me more stubborn, an attribute I used to think was bad, but not anymore. I have not suffered one day, I was sore after the mastectomy, but my recovery progressed rapidly. I have to say the effects of the estrogen blockers was the worst part of this whole experience. My joints ached like a 90 year olds, but now I understand what an older person feels like everyday, lesson learned…

Enough of my feelings. I was diagnosed after feeling a hard spot in my chest! I had noticed it in 2004, my mammogram was normal. We had two weddings in our family and life was busy and fun, but I vowed to get a recheck of the lump. The mammogram was still ok, but the tech could feel the lump on my chest, it was higher than the fatty part of the breast, you can have breast tissue under your armpit or higher on the chest. Anyways, she immediately brought me to an ultrasound and BAM! we both saw the growth, and I somehow knew it was malignant. My experiences with the surgeon were poor. He was so cold and technical. “Surgery, radiation, possibly chemo. Set it up with the nurses up front”. I had two words SCREW YOU! I needed more info. I got online, I talked to every woman in the restaurant that had breast cancer, I asked them about their doctors and how they felt about their diagnosis and treatment. It took two months to change my insurance, and get in to see the doctor of my choice. I learned as much as I could during that time, probably not smart, but I knew my cancer was not the aggressive type, it had been present for a few years without treatment!

I have lost a brother at 33 to testicular cancer, a sister at 46 to stomach cancer, and watching their treatment as a young woman was very frustrating. They seemed to have no choice, no voice. I wanted a voice, and who knows how that will play out, but it’s my life, and I love everyday of it! Choose to fight, wake up everyday and hope something amazing will happen to you, or someone you love. Tell your friends and family to stop looking at you like you are going to die because you know what? Every human being is on the same path! It is called LIFE…”


As you can see, breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to ANYONE (yes, even children (including boys, like Jaden) and MEN). Please get (or keep) yourself informed and checked. The KAB website has TONS of great information like signs to look for, instructions on how to check your breasts, foods to lower your risk, cancer facts (for instance, did you know that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime???), etc.

I hope this giveaway/post helps as many people as it possibly can. Even if 1 life is saved because of this post, it’s enough to help make a difference. PLEASE spread the word, share this link with your friends/family and help others get educated. Breast cancer is something that we all think will never happen to us…..but it can.

If you want to help make a difference, spread the word, and instead of buying that box of Valentines chocolate, that cup of Starbucks, or going to a super expensive “Valentines” dinner, etc, how about taking a minute and donating to a cause that IS making a difference? Even $5 can help! **CLICK HERE to help**. For each and every person who takes a minute to donate, I personally thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I also want to give a HUGE thanks to Lezlie & Jason, Deena and Kat, for letting me share their stories. Another huge thanks to Shaney & Amanda of KAB for donating and allowing me to give away such an awesome prize! You ALL are amazing!

XOXO, Julie Cruz – Lot116 Photography

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Category: Family, Giving Is Awesome!, My Life     Tagged:

73 Comments on “*Giveaway* – Love, Love, LOVE….your BOOBIES!”

  1. Your stories are beautiful. I was in tears after reading Jaden’s journey… wow, I cannot imagine…

    Tomorrow, I will be joining one of my dear friends celebrate her love for her mom (and support as her mom walks through breast cancer) by doing a flash mob… flashyourvalentine.com…

    to everyone who is battling breast cancer with someone they love, my heart and prayers are with you.

    Thank you for posting this.

  3. These stories are just amazing. From heart breaking to beautiful, I’m in tears.

    I hope this brings awareness where there is none, and strength to those that need it.

  5. Thank u for sharing your stories. Every single one was very touching and reminds me to cherish every second. I wish lots of love and health to all of u this valentines day.

  6. Thanks for sharing these compelling stories. Even though we all know someone whose life has been affected by cancer, there is still SO much we don’t know. KAB is a wonderful organization that has brought awareness, information and support to so many.

    I would be honored to spread the word and donate to this important cause.

  7. Thank you for sharing these stories. Each one made an impact on my perception of breast cancer. My support to all on their journey.

  9. Beautiful photos, touching stories! I’m teaching a breastfeeding class on Valentines Day. Valentines Day, breasts, yes I think it goes together too!!!

  10. Amazing and inspiring stories! Thank you to those who shared their stories and to you Julie for using your site to share, encourage and raise awareness for a wondeful cause!

  12. I always continue to spread the word about breast cancer. KAB does an amazing job with what they do to encourage awareness. (:

  14. Julie…that story about Jaden made me tear up! I am amazed at how such a sweet and innocent child can be diagnosed with breast cancer at such an early age! He has such a great outlook on life and it seems that he is an amazing child.

    Thanks for posting all of these stories…they especially hit home for me and my husband as both my mother in law and a friend’s mother are fighting breast cancer as we speak. I also have an amazing friend who is at the tail end of fighting breast cancer and is doing amazing!

    What an amazing cause to support Julie!

    Thanks again for posting all of those amazing stories…I hope that this will help at least one person survive this horrible disease!

  16. Amazing stories and an amazing cause. I actually know Jaden’s parents through work. I didn’t know their story about their son. I’m glad to read and hear Jaden is cancer free.

  17. Being a new parent and reading these stories, I got tears in my eyes just thinking about anything ever happening to my little guy. It’s so scary how much is out there. I am just so blessed to have the healthy family that I do, no matter how tough it was to get here, I am just thankful every day. Thank you Julie for reminding me.

  18. Thanks for spreading the word about breast cancer. The stories reminded me of my family’s experience with breast cancer. My mom is a breast cancer survivor. She has been cancer free for 13 years…and I hope it remains that way forever!!! Best wishes to Jaden and his family, Deena and your family Julie, and Mama Kat and her family!!!

  20. Wow! What amazing stories! My mom is a breast cancer survivor too so I’m ready to share the love for a great cause :)

  21. Thanks for sharing these experiences. It’s important to share that breast cancer can affect ANYONE – no matter the age, the gender or your life experience…it does not discriminate. Unfortunately, I, too, have had this terrible disease affect our family as well. My mother is finishing (hopefully) her treatment for breast cancer. It’s a horrible thing for a family to go through, but it truly has made me appreciate life and love much more!

  22. What a wonderful idea for a great cause! Reading JJ’s story brought me to tears again but he’s such a trooper. I’m happy that all of can call themselves survivors and I hope from her on, they will be leading a fun, healthy, cancer-free life. Their stories are an inspiration.

    Thanks again for sharing!

  23. Thanks for sharing these stories Julie! They are truly inspiring. We just got the news that a family member of mine has stage 3 breast cancer. I know it will be a long and hard journey ahead but the stories above gives us great hope!

  24. Oh Julie…I’m sitting here at work all teary eyed…what heartbreaking/amazing stories…(never thought I’d have those two words linked up in a sentence!). I’m not sure what the statistics are ..but I’m pretty sure each one of us has been touched by cancer in one way or another, whether it being breast cancer, lymphoma, or any other form.
    All three of the stories are so inspiring and what a creative way to spread the word about breast cancer awareness!

    Happy V-day to you, Mark and PJ!

  25. Deena’s story is mine too as I am her husband. She has been so strong and upbeat throughout this ordeal, never complained, always went to work, and placed her life in the hands of her Doctors and God. She has been an inspiration to all that know her. Friends that have survived this same cancer have been a comforting and supportive group. BTW Deena leaves for England on 19 February to work with her Professors on her Doctorate Program. She’ll call that a vacation.

  26. My aunt survived breast cancer, twice. Thank you for raising the awareness Julie! THANK YOU!

  27. Prayers, love and “support” for everyone touched by this. Got to love our boobies! THANK YOU Julie.

  29. You guys rock I’m not entering the contest because I’d like someone else to win this amazing basket. I just want to aknowledge what a great job you mazing people are doing.

    I Love what you do

    Rock On
    Franhalen

  30. Truly touching stories Julie! Awareness is so important. A cancer diagnosis can be so devastating but there is so much power in the knowledge you gain from it. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those fighting the good fight and their loved ones. Cancer can suck it!!!

  31. Inspiring true stories of strength and tremendous spirit!! Thank you for the post and for keeping it “real”!!

  33. Thats so sad that the little boy got cancer and i think the doctors that said it was okay should have gave them something for not saying the truth.

  34. Thank you so much for sharing these amazing stories. You have really given me a new perspective of Valentine’s Day and what it truly is about.

    Xoxo.

  35. What a great cause! My family has been affected by breast cancer as well. I vividly recall the day my aunt came down from the Bay Area after having her breasts removed. She shamelessly showed me the scars and how she made “homemade boobies” for her bra out of stockings and fiberfill. She was so brave and bold about her fight. Sadly, she passed away almost 6 years ago when she came out of remission after over a decade since her diagnosis.

    Given the history of cancer in my family (not just breast cancer), I always make sure to give myself a check. I found lumps last August and consulted a doctor. Luckily, it wasn’t cancer – just fibrocystic tendencies in the tissue. Organizations such as KAB are wonderful in bringing awareness to the fact that breast cancer can affect anyone.

    Thank you for sharing your stories and for supporting a wonderful organization!

  36. Breast Cancer is an incredibly scary two words that I never want to hear in relation to anyone I love. I think it is wonderful that Keep Abreast Organization is working to help educate young women about this devastating diagnosis and teaching them how to live a more healthy life in the hopes of prevention.

  37. I will be posting my own KAB charity on Ebay soon. I will post a link when the auction is live. Thanks for all of your hard work!

  39. I’m always so touched by these stories and it is so true when they say that EVERY SINGLE person is affected by this disease in some shape or form. Thank you for doing your part is spreading awareness =)

  41. This is a great giveaway for raising awareness! I have a family friend who holds a chili cookoff each year…. complete with entry fees & silent auction. She is also a breast cancer survivor. All the money she raises goes to the Susan G Komen foundation.
    Thank you for sharing the stories!

  43. Great idea and thanks for sharing such inspirational stories. My dad is a colon cancer survivor so I always appreciate any type of awareness.

  44. Great stories of courage, strength, a true inspiration for those of us that think we have tough times, these women are true herosnever giving up …..

  45. What an awesome post! I personally don’t know a single person who has NOT been touched by breast cancer in one way or another. And it is going to take all of us working together kill it.

  48. cancer sucks. my mawmaw had it and survived for a few years after a masectomy, but eventually lost the battle and it was a terrible way to go. i have friends who are surviving still. what a great giveaway! i’d love to share the goodies with them.

  50. I remember all of Lez’ LJ post about Jaden. He’s definitely one strong boy. Btw, I can’t believe how much smaller he was then. All those stories are amazing testaments that we can one day beat breast cancer. :-)

    Thanks for this giveaway, Julie. More importantly, thanks for promoting BCA. :-)

    Btw…I’ll take the toothless cutie anytime! Reconsider adding her to the prize? Lol!!!

  52. Julie…THANK YOU so much for doing this. This is truly a great thing! Our family is honored to share Jaden’s story in hopes that this will help create awareness that breast cancer can, indeed, happen to anyone. It was so encouraging for us to read Deena’s and Kat’s stories, to know that they went through the same journey we went through and we all survived. Their strength, courage and outlook on life is truly admirable and I thank them for sharing their stories with us. We were so touched to read everyone comments and well wishes….thank you ALL so much for supporting this amazing cause. :)

    ps. don’t include me giveaway, but I will take little Ms. Roofus Toofus in exchange. :)

  53. This is really awesome Julie, and a reminder for me to make an appointment that is long overdue!!!

  54. Your stories broke my heart while at the same time brought hope to my soul.
    You see, my friend which is fifteen, just today got told she had cancer.
    I’m going to pray for her forever.
    I’ve been googling sucess stories, and yours after a hard time of crying made my smile.

    Thank you.

  56. Thank you for sharing the amazing stories! I have walked for the past 3 years in the Susan G Komen for the Cure ~ 60 Mile breast cancer walk.
    I will be walking again . . . this coming August.

    We can never do too much, to raise awareness! Let’s find a cure!!!

  59. What an amazing giveaway which helps to raise awareness as well. I don’t think there is anyone that hasn’t been touched by someone with breast cancer – Mom, grandma, self, dad, sister, brother, co-worker, friend, daughter, etc.
    Great idea, Julie!

  61. this right here is very………. sad. this is a great way to raise awareness . you can never go to far!!!!

  62. These stories were absolutely heartbreaking. But I admire how you were able to help raise awareness by conducting this giveaways. I to have had someone in my family who has gone through the challenge of fighting breast cancer, my great-grandmother. Luckily she was able to overcome the battle after a few years of surgeries and therapy. In honor of my great-grandmother and everyone else who has/has had breast cancer I always participate in the yearly Susan G Komen race for the cure in my town.

    Bless you and good luck spreading awareness.

  66. Breast cancer (and other types of cancer, unfortunately) has affected too many of my friends and loved ones.

    Your stories had me in tears and proves that we all need to join together and help fight the battle.

    Thanks for raising awareness, Julie!

  70. Reading the stories brought me tears of sadness and happiness. It’s amazing the inner strength we all have when we or someone we love is diagnosed with cancer or other fatal diseases. When someone you love is faced with a health struggle, it puts life in perspective and makes you really cherish the times you have with them. Thank you for sharing these beautiful survivor stories and for doing something so wonderful in putting this msg out there. I love that you featured Jaden’s story to show that it not only affects women but men/boys too.

  71. These stories are unbelievable, being a mom, a friend, a wife I have imagined the unimaginable and am thankful that I have not had to endure such trials. My heart and prayers go out to all the friends I know and people I don’t know whom have traveled through these storms. Thank you so much for sharing these stories and testimonies.

  72. Someone close to me just helped her mother through both her breasts being removed. It is sad that for even one second her mother had to feel like she needed to chose life or being “a whole woman”. We need to not only find a cure, but teach everyone how to do self examanations. Teach them that a whole woman is one who is alive, with or without breasts. It was during a self exam, I discovered a lump in my own breast. I had neglected my own health as a woman and a mother. So, I went in for my full exam. I was lucky the lump was tissue, but because I went in for the full exam, I discovered I had cervical cancer.
    I wear my I LOVE BOOBIES braclet with pride. One of my daughters and my son also wear them. I want to do more. I need to do more to protect me and my children. And the people that I care about too! I love the package you had for the give away, I haven’t seen much to purchase around where I live, besides the braclets. Keep up the good work.