Year after year there are thousands of women throughout the planet who must begin the fiercest battle of their lives. They will put in more time with doctors and in hospitals in one week than most of us do in a lifetime. Toxic substances are consistently pumped into their bodies with the goal of saving their lives. These people are the millions of victims of breast cancer.

Breast cancer remains one of the most common forms of cancer striking women. There is a great deal of money going into the battle against breast cancer from many funding sources, but thousands of new diagnoses are occurring every day. This disease strikes the patient of course but also deeply affects her family and friends

A lot of us know someone afflicted with this dreaded disease and understand the fear, pain and suffering breast cancer causes the patient and everyone who knows her. It is difficult for anyone to know that someone they love is suffering so much. There is such a feeling of hopelessness watching someone you love be forced to combat this devastating disease. Perhaps the most difficult thing for a breast cancer patient's loved ones to bear is that they can do absolutely nothing to help.

Women particularly are innate helpers. It's just one of their inborn traits. It is so difficult for a woman to stand by helplessly and do nothing when someone is in pain. There is no magic wand, no genie to call upon to make it go away. Most of us are average folk, not scientific research geniuses and we will never discover the cure for cancer. Fortunately for us we can support those people who are engaged in cancer research.

We all have the ability to make a difference in the lives of the millions of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Donations to cancer research have a positive impact on those scientists working toward more effective treatments and an eventual cure. Substantial funding is paramount to giving those doctors, researchers and scientists enough resources to enable them to devote more and more time to their work for the cause. Donating is easy. You can support cancer research through monetary gifts or give your time and skills to the more administrative task of fundraising. Some join the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, some send in their pink Yoplait container lids.

Those who donate money for research are angels. There are other ways to qualify as an angel. Women with breast cancer rack up huge medical bills which can bankrupt their families. If you know someone with breast cancer and want to help, drop off some groceries or lasagna or homemade scones. Ask them what more they need that you can help with and start a neighborhood crusade to make a positive difference to a family on their own block.

Breast cancer affects millions of women and their families. Thankfully, due to all the money and time donated to cancer research, advances have been made in the treatment of breast cancer. Yet, there are still many women who do not survive. I have known two women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. One beat it and inspires many people by telling her story. Sadly, my other friend did not make it. She left behind a beautiful three year old daughter and an amazing husband. She was one of the most amazing women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and I support breast cancer research in honor of her. I strongly encourage others to do the same because I want to put an end to the grief. If we all team together, a permanent cure for breast cancer might be just around the corner.