Rethink Breast Cancer - the innovative Canadian charity devoted to helping young people concerned about and affected by breast cancer - announces new exciting initiatives in support of the cause.

The Breast Cancer Peer Navigation pilot program will provide young women with psychosocial and informational support in a safe, supportive community.

"Newly diagnosed younger women often express a desire to speak one-on-one with someone who is not only similar in terms of age, family circumstance, and life stage, but also similar in terms of stage of disease and type of treatment," explains MJ DeCoteau, Rethink Breast Cancer's Executive Director. "The Peer Navigation pilot will pair newly diagnosed women with a volunteer match."

The initiative is a collaborative effort with Wellspring, Willow Breast Cancer Support and Resource Services, and the Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre. These organizations will combine their expertise to create a specialized volunteer training program.

"The long term goal is to develop a prototype of peer navigation for younger women with breast cancer and lay the groundwork for communities across Canada," says DeCoteau. "Rethink is excited to be providing early-stage funding for this important project."

In addition to spearheading a unique breast health awareness movement, Rethink Breast Cancer announced the 2005 Call for Research proposals for its Career Development Awards program.

Rethink's Career Development Awards provide promising young Canadian researchers with an opportunity to pursue training in translational breast cancer research under the guidance and mentorship of a top supervisor.

There are a lot of style events in support of breast cancer research.

Dermalogica: Rethink Your Skin Event - October 19, 2005
Fashion magazine and Dermalogica skin care professionals take guests behind the scenes to get the real story on how to keep your skin glowing and fresh. Up until now only beauty editors have been able to receive this star treatment. Now Dermalogica is opening the doors of their dermal institute and hosting a cocktail party where guests will be treated to personalized face mapping, a skincare SOS presentation, delicious nibbles and lush cocktails. 50% of ticket sales will be donated to Rethink.

The Booby Ball - October 28, 2005
Where ‘A’ list meets ‘B’ cup. A fun and funky fundraiser that raises awareness of breast cancer among Toronto’s younger set and a tribute to a young survivor who battled the disease. Every year the venue is new and hip and is upstaged only by the crowd it continues to draw. A scandalous Silent Auction, show-stopping entertainment, glitzy crowd and cocktails galore.

Art of Fashion - November 4, 5, 6, 2005
This year, the Art of Fashion presents a pre-Christmas trunk show featuring top Canadian designers. This three day event opens with a chance for buyers to meet the designers in a cocktail reception and mini fashion showcase. With a wonderful silent auction in support of Rethink, and a sample sale open to the public for the remainder of the weekend – it’s an extravaganza not to be missed!

For the Love of Breasts - November 19, 2005
An annual event in its 7th year, For the Love of Breasts is run by a passionate, dedicated and creative committee who continue to impress their guests year after year with an evening full of guest speakers and performers. The night is always sure to unveil a few surprises! Money raised through ticket sales will be donated to Rethink Breast Cancer.

Curl-for-the-Cure - November 26, 2005
Curl for the Cure is a fun day long event that is in its 13th year. The event includes a bonspiel, dinner, silent auction and exciting raffles. Proceeds fund Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada and Rethink Breast Cancer. 

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