ISSUE 05
THE HEART & SOUL OF KELSEY BROOKES / DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS OF PINKWASHING UNRAVELING KAB’S NEW RECYCLED TEES / PIERCE THE VEIL’S VIC FUENTES “THIS IS MY STORY”
FREE! (Yes, seriously. Take One!)
Letter From The Founder SHANEY JO DARDEN
Photo by BB Bastidas in Joshua Tree
Keep A Breast’s Mantra is Art. Education. Awareness. Action. A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or phrase considered capable of creating transformation. It is a path of action necessary to achieve your desires. My own spiritual transformation is all about using every moment to create a better life, to live my truth, and to influence a healthier, cancer-free world. Our 5th issue of the KAB magazine is very focused on ACTION—becoming the change we talk about every day. The piece on pink washing is so cool. You hear about pink washing in the news and media, but what is it really? What steps can take you avoid it? The Cool Stuff article on page 21 showcases products that are good for you, so next time you’re shopping you can take ACTION and make healthier choices for you. The ACTIONS you take everyday impact your life, the planet and the lives of others around you. Life is not about the end result, it’s about all the steps you take to get there. What you do now will impact your future. I try as hard as I can to leave as little negative impact on the earth as possible, which means taking great care in Keep A Breast products. Every KAB tee shirt is made from recycled cotton, and scraps from the cutting room floor are used to make new tee shirts. These ACTIONS creates less waste, use less chemicals and, not to mention, make me happy as the founder of Keep A Breast. I am honored to feature my friend Kelsey Brookes in this issue. Not only is he a long time supporter of KAB, but he lives the KAB lifestyle through his actions, whether connecting with nature, meditating, surfing or being conscious of his diet. I am also excited to welcome four new Ambassadors to the KAB family on page 19. Everything we do at Keep A Breast goes back to our mission and mantra. ART is who we are, creating art gives us joy and purpose. EDUCATION is what we do, we exist to learn, grow and share our knowledge. AWARENESS is our message, we create global platforms to increase awareness of breast cancer prevention among young people. ACTION is our destiny, we are rebels with a cause who don’t sit down, hit the streets with our heads high, and stand up loud and clear for what we believe in. What is your mantra? What words do you live by? Think about it.
ISSUE 05 Editors and Publishers: Kimmy McAtee, Kayla Kelley, Greg Goodfellow, Casey Cochran, Kyle Craft, Amanda Nixon, Erica Leite Art Director: Nathan Bell Lead Photography: Katherine Sheehan Contributing Photographers: Ross Morrison, Josiah Vandien, Tom Phillipson, Emily Carver The Keep A Breast Foundation 2251 Las Palmas Dr Carlsbad, CA 92011 501(c) (3) #13-4286549 The Keep A Breast FoundationTM is a global non-profit organization. Our mission is to help eradicate breast cancer by exposing young people to methods of prevention, early detection and support. Through art events, educational programs and fundraising efforts, we seek to increase breast cancer awareness among young people so they are better equipped to make choices and develop habits that will benefit their long-term health and well-being.
CONNECT WITH US!
KAB Mailbox
Keep A Breast Foundation (USA) Facebook.com/keepabreast Twitter @keepabreast Instagram @keepabreast YouTube.com/keepabreastvideo Flickr.com/keepabreast Tumblr: keepabreast.tumblr.com Foursquare.com/keepabreast Stickam.com/keepabreast Email: info@keep-a-breast.org keep-a-breast.org Keep A Breast Canada
FROM FACEBOOK:
Facebook.com/kabcan Twitter @keepabreastca Flickr.com/keepabreastcanada Foursquare.com/keepabreastca Tumblr: keepabreast.tumblr.com Email: canada@keep-a-breast.org keepabreastcanada.ca
“I am a 2 time breast cancer survivor and can’t wait to get to my local retailer and pick up the latest issue! I greatly appreciate this magazine and look forward to every issue. Keep up the wonderful work guys and gals!”– Leanna Bacigalupo
Keep A Breast Europe Facebook.com/keepabreasteurope Facebook.com/keepabreastitaly Facebook.com/keepabreastfrance Twitter: @keepabreasteu Email: lorene@keep-a-breast.org keepabreasteurope.eu
VIA EMAIL:
“I watched the video at nontoxicrevolution.org and learned a lot. Actually, the funny thing is for a while I have been wanting to go vegetarian, for various reasons. Do you have any tips on doing so and explaining this to my parents? Thanks so much.” – Aly B
Keep A Breast Japan Facebook.com/keepabreastjapan Twitter @keepabreastjp Email:info@keepabreast.jp keepabreast.jp Non Toxic Revolution Facebook.com/kabntr Twitter @kabntr Instagram @kabntr Email: info@kabntr.org nontoxicrevolution.org
“Thanks KAB for casting our breasts and giving the Roller Rebels this opportunity to support Breast Cancer Awareness!”– Katie Mehr of the Long Island Roller Rebels
Aly - There are some great resources online about becoming a vegetarian! Like, did you know woman who eat a diet high in red meat have 88% to 330% increased risk of breast cancer! Learn more by visiting KAB’s health page as well as NTR’s “Your Mouth” section. www.keep-a-breast.org/health www.kabntr.org/your-mouth FROM TWITTER:
CHECK OUT OUR AMBASSADOR AD WTH WCAR IN AP MAGAZINE!
So happy that @wecameasromans next tour is supporting @keepabreast because they helped me get through my aunts breast cancer :-) Thank you! – Phoebe Kozlowski @keepabreast I must say I appreciate greatly what you do. I have a newly diagnosed family member. Thanks for your support! – Kendra Larson
LEARN TO CHECK YOUR SELF AND SETUP AN AUTOMATIC REMINDER!
SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK! PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION. LETTERS MAY BE EDITED FOR CLARITY AND SPACE.
03 ISSUE 05
KAB Awareness
s t e r c e S e l t t i L Dirty g n i h s of Pinkwa The
Illustrations by Andrew Groves
Pinkwasher: (pink’-wah-sher) noun. Company or organization that claims to care about breast cancer prevention by promoting “pink ribbon” products, while neglecting to inform consumers that said products contain chemicals linked to the disease.
W
ho wants to buy a skin lotion made with carcinogens that seep into the bloodstream? Who wants to wash their baby’s hair with a class of chemicals found in cancerous tumors? Who wants to paint their nails with a material used to manufacture TNT? And please, who in their right mind would knowingly eat a potato chip flavored with the same chemical used to treat sewage!? My bet is nobody would do these things if they truly understood what goes into each product—regardless of any pink ribbon on the front of the package.
05 ISSUE 05
During the month of October and throughout the year, certain groups slap pink ribbons across product after product without proper research. It is an attempt to appeal to our hearts while ignoring our best interests. In this section, we will introduce you to a few dangerous chemicals found in everyday “pink ribbon” items, along with examples of products that contain these chemicals, and some safer alternatives.
s n e b a r a P
LOOK OUT FO R THE BUTYLPARAB WORDS METHYLPARABEN EN, PROPYLP , ETHYLPARABEN ARABEN &
WHAT THEY ARE: Synthetic chemical preservatives that allow skin care and beauty products to survive for months or years on the shelf.
FOUND IN: Shampoos, moisturizers, shave gel/creams, toothpastes, deodorants, AND CANCEROUS TUMORS.
FACT:
Eight out of ten breast cancer tumors contain paraben. Paraben is man-made, which means it can only be coming from manufactured products. In other words, what you are rubbing into your body may never leave. In fact, studies have shown that the body can absorb as much as five pounds of cosmetic chemicals every year!
THINK DON’T PINK:
Check labels closely and shop for paraben-free products. Paraben is usually hidden inside really long words like methylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben and ethylparaben.
Organic Solvents & Organic Chlorines WHAT THEY ARE: Chemical thinning agents that are responsible for the strong smell you get with a good whiff of nail polish or marking pens.
FOUND IN: Nail polish, paint thinner, thick line coloring pens,
markers, finger paint, aerosol & liquid hard surface cleaners, and TNT (dynamite).
FACT:
Known to cause mammary tumors, these materials also cause colorblindness. Yes, there is a substance in paint - a product meant for coloring - that can actually make people unable to experience color. Talk about destroying your target market…
THINK DON’T PINK:
Many brands of nail polish boast “pink ribbon colors.” Make sure to choose “3 Free” polishes, which do not contain the toxic chemicals Toluene, Formaldehyde and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP).
ISSUE 05
06
KAB Awareness
Acr ylamid
WHAT IT IS: A carcinogenic chemical compound formed when
e
starchy foods are baked or fried at high temperatures.
FOUND IN: Plastics, potato chips, pesticides, sewage treatment and fries.
FACT:
The California Attorney General filed a lawsuit against nine fast food chains in 2005 to get them to reduce Acrylamide in their fries.
THINK DON’T PINK:
Potato chips may not only increase your risk of cancer, but they also can make you fat. Eat these in moderation, not with every lunch. Remember, 30%-40% of cancer cases can be attributed to dietary choices.
A l o n e h p s i B (BPA)
WHAT IT IS: A colorless, organic chemical compound used to create most plastics.
FOUND IN: Plastic water bottles, canned food liners, hard plastic food containers, and 93% of urine samples from people age six years and older.
FACT:
BPA leaches into food from plastic packaging and food can linings. It is an endocrine disruptor, which means that it mimics the body’s own hormones. This “imposter” estrogen can increase rates of breast and prostate cancer, as well as promote early-onset puberty and obesity.
THINK DON’T PINK:
Don’t microwave hard plastic food containers because the high temperatures can break down the plastic over time. Reduce your consumption of canned foods and opt for glass, porcelain, or stainless steel containers instead, especially for hot foods or liquids. ALWAYS buy BPA-free when available.
07 ISSUE 05
T OXI C vs. EPIC 7
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11
11 8
1 12
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12
2 10
10
9
9 6
6
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3 5
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PRODUCT 1 Cosmetics/Makeup Perfume 2 Lotion 3 Lipstick 4 Nail Polish 5 Tanning Lotion 6 Hair Products 7 Shaving Creams 8 Deodorants 9 Body Wash 10 Sunscreen 11 Toothpaste 12
EPIC BRANDS
TOXIC CHEMICALS mercury, lanolin, nitrosamines, talc, sulfates
Tarte, 100% Pure, glominerals
ethanol, a-terpinene
A Perfume Organic, Rich Hippie
parabens, artificial fragrances, phthalates, silica, lead
Alba, Dr. Bronners, Yes To Carrots
lead, aluminum, talc
Avon, The Body Shoppe, Tarte
“Big 3” toxins: dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde, toluene
OPI, Karma, Gaiam
parabens, 1,4-dioxane, synthetic fragrance
Alba Botanica, Lavera
parabens, synthetic fragrances, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
Yes To Carrots, Kiss My Face, Burt’s Bees
parabens, BHA, TEA, 1,4-dioxane
Dr. Bronner’s, Burt’s Bees, Herban Cowboy
parabens, aluminum compounds, triclosan
TOMS of Maine, Jason, Burt’s Bees, Lavinila
parabens, triclosan, triclocarban
Dr. Bronner’s, Burt’s Bees, Jason, Yes To Carrots, Ursa Major
parabens, benzophones, cinnamates
Aubrey Organics, Lavera, Burt’s Bees, Sun Bum, Livestrong
artificial sweeteners, which may be contain 1,4–dioxane
TOMS of Maine, Burt’s Bees, A Vogel, Jason To learn more about epic products check out the Cool Stuff on page 21. ISSUE 05 08
Wonder what chemotherapy is like? Want to know the side effects of radiation? I am out of treatment and here to help YOU in any way that I can - just ASK MISS NIXON! If I don’t know the answer to your questions, I will find you someone who will be able to give you answers! My story: In January of 2006 at age 27, I was diagnosed with the most aggressive form of the many types of breast cancer. What a party killer! Breast cancer was the furthest thing from my mind. Sure I lived in a toxic environment, ate meat, paid little attention to the ingredients in my beauty products, used antiperspirant, etc…but so did all of my girlfriends? What the f@*#? I underwent three months of chemotherapy, lost all my hair, had a mastectomy, three more months of chemotherapy, eight weeks of radiation, and two reconstructive surgeries. I had every scan, Xray and blood test you could possibly imagine. Now I volunteer at hospitals, participate in clinical studies, and am involved with multiple breast cancer organizations. I strive to know the most current information coming down the pipeline about breast cancer and especially how this affects younger people.
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and just started chemotherapy. She said I could help her out by writing down all of her side effects in a diary that she can show her doctor. I didn’t want to ask her but can you tell me what I should be writing down? -Natalie from Scottsdale, AZ What a great way to support your mom right now! Some common side effects of chemo are hair loss, fatigue (feeling really tired), vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, pain, sadness, rash, mouth sores, anger, lymphedema (swelling of an arm or hand), and numbness in the hands or feet. Hopefully she won’t have any side effects and you can just draw her an awesome picture instead. Check out the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship’s “Pocket Cancer Care Guide” in the app store for a cool tracker.
Dude, I love fried chicken but I saw your tweet that it is bad. I don’t understand. Why is everything that tastes good, bad for us? -Matt from Birmingham, AL Typically fried, BBQ’d, or charbroiled foods are bad for us. The “char”- burnt and blackened parts - contain PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) that cause mammary tumors in animals. I hear you, that you love it and can’t give it up entirely, so I’m just suggesting, eat it as a treat on special occasions, FYI, some studies suggest that taking an aspirin with your meal may cancel out the potentially harmful effects of charred foods. 09 ISSUE 05
I was just diagnosed with breast cancer and my friends and family and everyone else is stressing me out right now. How do I tell them to cut it out without scaring them off for good? -Lori from Austin, TX First of all, try not to stress. Stress leads to increased levels of the hormone cortisol and high cortisol levels reduce the number of immune system cells in the bloodstream. These “natural killer” cells are important in surveillance against malignant cells and for destroying viruses and tumor cells. Look, friends, co-workers and loved ones will worry about you. You can update them on your progress by calling, sending an email or posting on Facebook or CaringBridge. Then when you feel up to it, have lunch with a group of friends or family. This way you can knock out catching up with each one individually. If you have your breasts removed, are you for sure not ever going to get breast cancer? -Stephanie from Edinburg, IL No mastectomy guarantees the removal of all breast tissue, which extends from the collarbone to below the rib cage, and from the breastbone to the back. Preventative mastectomy reduces the risk of breast cancer by 90%. So even after removal of your breasts, there is still a small chance that you could get breast cancer. This is why we encourage everyone to maintain a healthy body weight, eat well, exercise, and limit alcohol consumption. You will feel better knowing you are taking controlled steps to prevent breast cancer.
ASK MISS NIXON at missnixon@keep-a-breast.org or @askmissnixon on Twitter!
“NATURAL” WTF does ‘Natural’ really mean? Really really?? Like for realsies? Really though not a thing. The word ‘natural’ has been used in marketing everything from salty potato chips to sugary Skittles™. Salt is natural and so is sugar as well as corn making high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) ‘natural’. If you really want to eat healthy then shoot for ‘100% Certified Organic’. WTF is in my perfume? How do they make a fragrance?
Pesticides on your produce? Arsenic in your apples? BPA all up in your bottles? Never even heard of Phthalates? No worries! Casey is my name and toxins are my game. If you have questions about toxins - I probably have an answer or know someone who does. I’m from Southern California and did the college thing, traveled the world, then came home and founded and managed an environmental website for five years from a converted garage. The travel bug soon bit again and I found myself in Argentina with some friends of Keep A Breast building greenhouses from discarded plastic bottles. Those friends became family so I came home and joined KAB as the Program Director for the Non Toxic Revolution where I now help people learn about reasons why and how to avoid toxins to lower their risk for cancer. I get excited reading toxicology studies which means you don’t have to. Go ahead and give me a try; I’m like a magic 8-ball minus the vigorous shaking!
or
NTR Program Direct
The problem with perfume is that the folks that make it aren’t required to tell anyone what goes into it. Perfume is considered proprietary – essentially the mixture of synthetic chemicals is a trade secret. Nearly 95% of the ingredients found in perfume today are derived from petroleum - including acetone, ethanol, formaldehyde, limonene, methylene chloride, camphor, ethyl acetate, linalool and benzyl alcohol. It’s hard to protect yourself without the truth, so, your best bet is to seek out essential plant oils and make your own scent! WTF is up with Flea Medications, are any safe to use? Strangely curious about how flea medications work? You’ve pretty much got two options – first, there are the topical kinds – these are strangely locked behind the counter at the pet store. The chemicals in these meds interfere with the transmission of nerve signals in the fleas causing paralysis and starvation. Sure, they’re just fleas, but that’s not cool, and just think of the prolonged exposure you are giving to your animal over years of usage. An alternative is called diatomaceous earth (DE) and is the old broken shells of hard-shelled algae. You can purchase DE at any hardware store like Home Depot or even WalMart. Think of DE like a super efficient algae-ninja that cuts the outer shell of any flea that tries to pass by it, dehydrating, and killing them – HIYAAA!! The first is a toxic chemical the second is harmless and can be ingested by pets and humans and even sprinkled onto furniture or a pet bed directly; just sweep or vacuum it up later. There are thousands of toxic poisonings that occur annually from chemical flea medications. There’s even studies that show the long-term effects for children exposed to these products at an early age including diseases and even later-in-life cancer. Solution should be obvious – it’s DE.
My favorite cereal has ‘BHT’ in the ingredients, WTF is that?! Yes, it’s true. Even your Cheerios™ - with that big red heart on the box – includes the chemical preservative butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), an antioxidant. This just means that every time you open and close the box the oxygen reacts with the BHT rather than the food – in this case those tasty little O’s protecting them from spoilage. Now, I like my cereal fresh and crunchy just like everyone else but these same properties of BHT may actually contribute to carcinogenicity when processed in humans. BHT is literally found in thousands of products like butter, meat, cereal, gum, snack foods, potato chips, even beer and cosmetics. Solution – shop around for cereal and other food without BHT.
Ask Casey WTF!? @kabntr For more information visit nontoxicrevolution.org 10 ISSUE 05
Photos by: Ross Morrison
“I th i nk e v er ybo dy n eeds to c o n n ec t to na tu re o n a frequ en t bas is ...” elsey Brookes’ artwork is raw and vibrant, and reveals a free-flowing aesthetic that is loud and
energetic. His work has appeared in countless group shows, art fairs, and magazines such as GQ, Juxtapoz, Beautiful Decay and Dazed and Confused, and he is a featured artist in the RVCA Artist Network Program. A long time supporter of Keep A Breast, his art adorns an iconic KAB breast cast that has traveled the world since its debut in France in 2006, and appears on the vinyl of a limited edition Grand Tarantula record benefiting Keep A Breast. This record was pressed by Pretty Awesome Records and states simply: musician(s) + artist(s) + charity = ears/eyes/heart HAPPY. Each of Kelsey’s pieces is a look into the world itself, where smiley-faced characters and wild animals hang out with abstract forms and bright colors to form something complex and visually appealing. According to Kelsey, what organizes his world and his art is pure and simple, “Just following my instinct, if something attracts me, if I’m interested in it, if it stops me through my general movement through the world, and catches my eye – I stop and trust that I know that there is something there worth investigating.” Talking about why he’s involved with Keep A Breast, he states simply “Because good people doing good things is rad.”
“G ood p eop le d oing good t hings is rad.” From our perspective, Keep A Breast’s involvement with Kelsey runs deeper than our love for his art. Kelsey lives the KAB lifestyle, alternating between running 3 miles and doing Yoga everyday, and meditating everyday after lunch. His “meditation circle” featured on the front cover is part of this routine. “I call my most recent series of art ‘meditation circles’ because I started doing them as a meditation practice. They were a way for me to take a break from my figurative work, relax my mind, concentrate on my breathing and just focus on something else.” “My wife and I are members of Suzie’s Farm CSA in San Diego.” CSA’s are Community Supported Agriculture programs, in which a group of farmers allow consumers to own a “share” in their farm, in exchange for a box of seasonal fruits and vegetables each week of the farming season. “Being part of a CSA has completely changed the way we eat,” says Kelsey. “If you enjoy cooking and are even a little bit creative the CSA program is for you!” Topping off his healthy lifestyle, Kelsey surfs when the waves are good. “I think everybody needs to connect to nature on a frequent basis, and to me surfing is that. Surfing is a balance to my life.”
Keep up with Kelsey’s newest art ventures and upcoming shows, including his next show at the Quint Gallery in La Jolla, CA. kelse ybrookes.com Inst agram @kel seybrookes
UNRAVELING KEEP A BREAST’S
NEW RECYCLED TEES
TO UNRAVEL THE MANY THREADS OF KEEP A BREAST’S TEES – LOOK TO THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR OF A FACTORY IN INDIA. There are certain places, by their very nature, that seem to be overlooked, the floor of a tee-shirt factory would seem to be one of them. Never an organization to conform, Keep A Breast has always been interested in the overlooked and has strived to push the boundaries whenever possible. From the start and up to today we have taken a well-known subject like breast cancer and focused on prevention and the education of youth. What we have always sought is to create a conversation that had never been started; with our new recycled t-shirts we have brought materials that never had a chance and given them a meaningful message with a purpose. Before the scraps can become tee’s though, the white untreated scraps are collected, put into a shredding machine and turned into a fibrous mass that is then spun into a sustainable eco-friendly yarn and transformed into a fabric that will become KAB’s new tees. 13 ISSUE 05
Keep A Breast strives to be as sustainable as possible by not producing cotton. For every six shirts KAB produces we stop 16-ounces of toxins from being introduced into our water supply including harsh petroleum by-products, heavy metals, ammonia, and formaldehyde.
ISSUE 05 14
FOR EVERY SIX SHIRTS KAB PRODUCES WE STOP 16-OUNCES OF TOXINS FROM BEING INTRODUCED INTO OUR WATER SUPPLY INCLUDING HARSH PETROLEUM BY-PRODUCTS, HEAVY METALS, AMMONIA, AND FORMALDEHYDE.
15 ISSUE 05
Head to your nearest retailer or visit keep-a-breast.org to check out our new recycled tees. 100% of the net wholesale proceeds are donated or directed to The Keep A Breast Foundation. But don’t just wear a Keep A Breast tee, know you are taking a stand to make the world a better, healthier place for future generations. ISSUE 05 16
DIY ACTION PROGRAM Get involved with Keep A Breast through our new DIY Action Program! KAB wants you to help us spread the word about the importance of breast cancer prevention. We have developed a unique avenue for anyone to donate their time and influence the lives of their community. This program allows anyone to play a role with KAB and throw his or her very own fundraiser in support of KAB. We want to acknowledge and enable the fact that young people do want to be activists, to play a part of a bigger and better good, and want to provide an outlet that inspires people to better themselves and their communities. Whether it’s a concert, a festival, a yearlong surfing fundraiser like A Wave A Day or a costume kickball tournament - everyone is full of fun new ideas and ways to fundraise for Boobies! Just ask Anna Margarita Queza. Her individually produced Urban/Pop Showcase at Belmont University was an incredible event. It included her own PSA with the information that she learned through the process. “After my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, I became almost obsessed with learning about breast cancer and its sources,” explains Anna Margarita Queza. “I found Keep A Breast and was really intrigued with all of the information it provided in regards to prevention. My mother did not have a cancer history, so my guess is the source is environmental. The whole process was one of the most enlightening, emotional, and passionate experiences I have ever encountered.” SCAN THIS TOCHECK OUT CHECK OUTURBAN/POP THE PSA! SHOWCASE PSA!
Pierce The Veil’s Vic Fuentes: Vic Fuentes, the 28-year-old lead singer of Pierce The Veil is a true believer in Keep A Breast. He’s been an enthusiastic spokesman for KAB on numerous tours, and has proven his ability to connect with fans on the importance of breast cancer prevention. Vic stepped up his support of our mission in the spring of 2010, when he approached us at The Bamboozle festival and purchased his first I Love Boobies Letter Press tee shirt. Now Vic sports KAB shirts and I Love Boobies wristbands with pride, and he continually encourages his fans to check out our Traveling Education Booth and website. Pierce The Veil recently invited KAB to be part of the No Guts No Glory tour. We immediately obliged and brought the KAB Traveling Education Booth along for five and a half weeks. Thanks to the band’s support, we distributed several thousand Check Your Self cards and raised nearly four thousand dollars! Vic is always willing to share his personal story of how breast cancer impacted his life and why he feels breast cancer awareness is so important. Right before PTV and KAB left on the No Guts No Glory tour, a dear friend informed him that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. “I just wanted to try and be there for her any way I could,” explains Vic. He was about to hit the road and realized that by introducing her to KAB before he left, he’d be introducing her to people, info, and events that she could connect with. “Foundations like KAB are helping girls like my friend get through these tough times emotionally and physically” he says. “Check it out, you could save your life or someone else’s.” Vic also documented this experience as part of our This Is My Story campaign. Like other participants, he shared his personal experiences with breast cancer on film. Vic’s story, as well as many others’, is available to view at KAB Traveling Education Booth across the globe. Please browse and share the videos. We started this campaign to help people feel less alone, frightened, and confused. Bands such as Pierce The Veil are one of the reasons we are able to strengthen the reach of our message.We couldn’t be more thankful for their support on both their own tours and The Vans Warped Tour.
Photo by: Josiah Vandien
SCAN THIS TO SEE VIC’S THIS IS MY STORY VIDEO!
KAB Ambassadors Keep A Breast Ambassadors are role models and leaders for today’s youth. The KAB team helps us spread the word about breast cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of living a healthy toxin free lifestyle. These actions impact the world on a higher note than most realize. We are proud to announce four of KABs most recent Ambassadors with diverse expertise, a musician, a skater, an artist, and a skier, all together to spread the Keep A Breast mission. We caught up with each of them to ask them how they stay healthy, happy, and active! Check it out!
Professional Skateboarder, Avid Angler & Golfer I love life and want to live it to the fullest! Nothing makes me happier than being outdoors, whether it’s hiking, golfing, fishing, shredding etc. There’s a quote that Patrick Swayze once said, “They only live to get Radical” that’s me in a nut shell! Fav activity to stay healthy? Well obviously skateboarding is #1 but I also play golf and like to walk the long courses that I play at. It’s a very good way to promote good heart function etc... Healthy recipe? Nothing better than a lightly grilled Ahi tuna steak over brown rice and a green salad with miso dressing! Why is KAB so important? It’s very important! Cases are popping up more than ever with not only older women but very young women as well. We need to spread the word about awareness and that’s why I am involved with this great organization.
Jose Rojo
enjoico.com etniesfootwear.com
Professional Skier, Chocolate Lover & Outdoor Enthusiast I may have been born in a city but I’ve always loved being outdoors. The outdoors is a great arena for my sport endeavors and has provided me with the opportunity to bond with nature, find peace, and re-energize. When I am away from the hustle and bustle of the city I enjoy hiking in the woods, running with my dog, and experiencing the true beauty that it beholds.
Healthy recipe? One of my favorite things to eat is Mozarella Caprese Salad. It’s fresh, easy to make, healthy and best of all delicious.
Cool way to pick up the pace? I really like to go on hikes or runs with Benji my dog. It feels great to be in nature where I can clear my mind and stay fit at the same time.
Why is KAB so important? I’d like to help raise awareness that breast cancer can affect us all and support KAB in their quest to provide resources to people of all ages. It is so important to check yourself regularly and that could not be said enough... mirjamjaeger.com 19 ISSUE 05
Mirjam Jaeger
Artist & Creative Connector
Shantell Martin
Put simply, I love to get creative with the way I make connections, whether in my drawn lines or in piecing together ideas, words, thoughts, and images from my mind. I also feel like I’m always connecting with creative and like-minded people from all over the globe who are also on a path of finding out who they are, and how to be healthier, stronger, and more compassionate in this life.
Healthy recipe? I’m a big juicer. Last year I bought a fantastic juicer, the Omega J8005, and I’ve been experimenting with different juice recipes ever since. So far my favorite combination has to be red kale with carrots, apples (sweet ones like Fuji, pink lady or gala), lime, ginger, and garlic. Fantastic way to start the day.
Cool way to pick up the pace? Walking, walking, and walking! I love to walk around new areas and parks, and just take in the world at my own pace. I find it’s a great way to be really aware and in the present, so it’s good for the mind and the body.
Why is KAB so important? Because it promotes awareness. Education is the key. The more we know, the more we can do to prevent and support. Photo by: Esowe
shantellmartin.com
Passionate Lyricist, Revolutionary, Yogi & Daily Photographer I’m all about going out and turning heads on stage not blending in with the crowd and staying true to who I am. Although I’m an outgoing wild woman I enjoy nothing more than to curl up on the couch with tea and Grey’s Anatomy. Boardgames and charades are some of my go-to activities. My weaknesses are ice cream and Doritos but I try to eat them just on occasion. I think its important to balance the ying & yang in life and remember to express yourself in everything you do. Healthy recipe? Simple Cabbage Salad; easy, quick, and will last all week! Perfect for on the go! Cool way to pick up the pace? HOT POWER YOGA ALL THE WAY!! I do it almost everyday when I’m home but when I cant get to a studio for a yoga session I make sure to have a dance party with friends. Why do you feel KAB is so important? I really wanted to get involved with KAB once I saw their Traveling Education Booth out on the road while I was on the Vans Warped Tour. I saw how they were changing peoples lives and teaching them the importance of learning to detect and prevent breast cancer and knew I needed to be a part of it.
Juliet Simms
Facebook.com/JulietSimms Check out Juliet Simms breast cast painted by Rene Gagnon, and Anita from Crunch gym NYC’s breast cast painted by Shantell Martin. These casts will be displayed on May 24th at the launch of Keep A Breast Japan as part of The Original Keep A Breast Art Events program. This KAB support program is designed to celebrate and create awareness by harnessing the power of art to communicate complex feelings and thoughts about health, the female form, and ultimately about breast cancer. Visit keepabreast.jp to learn more.
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Cool Stuff
Everyone tells you which products and toxins to avoid but do they ever give you trustworthy alternatives? We’ve tested all this COOL STUFF and can promise you that they are Keep A Breast approved! Each of the things listed below is non-toxic and work just as good, if not better, than their TOXIC counterparts.
Sun Bum Sunscreen Steer clear of cancer and wrinkles this summer with a great burn proof non-toxic sunscreen. This sunscreen is great for kids and fair skinned friends. Trustthebum.com Bliss Organic Roll-on Perfume Try out this all natural, romantic, and uplifting floral perfume that won’t soak those stinky poisons into your skin! Blissworld.com Beauty Wise Face Powder What is Talc? It’s a rock in the asbestos family commonly found in your face powders! Beauty Wise products are talc free, vegan, and all around non-toxic. Natureofbeauty.com Burt’s Bees Toothpaste This breath freshening toothpaste is a multi-care gel with no sulfates, parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals. I don’t want any of that in my mouth! Burtsbees.com Toms of Maine 24hr Deodorant This Toms of Maine 24 hr deodorant is the first natural deodorant we can all agree works! Whether you are out rock climbing, practicing yoga or hitting the mall this deodorant is guaranteed to keep you from sweating, or smelling or leaving marks on your new black tee shirt. Non-toxic, paraben and aluminumfree, what more could you ask for? Tomsofmaine.com Jason Body Wash This calming lavender all natural body wash will have every person in your household sneaking some in the shower! This fragrance free body wash is paraben and sulfate free which means your silky skin will be squeaky clean! Jason.com Couleur Caramel Lipstick Kiss of death? NO THANKS! Lead is for pencils not your lips! Try out this 100% natural lipstick free of toxic chemicals that have no place being in your make up! Holisticbeauty.net
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Acquarella Nail Polish Who would’ve thought ingredients in our nail polish could hurt us? Keep those sandal-bared toes pretty this summer with non-toxic nail polish available in a bunch of fun summer colors! Acquarellapolish.com Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish Stick Hello sexy summer skin! All those oily sunscreens and hot days can take a toll on your face, make sure to pick up one of these herbal blemish sticks with tee tree and juniper oils. Non-toxic and fast acting this roll on zit zapper will have you cleared up in no time! Burtsbees.com Yes to Carrots SPF 30 Sunscreen/Moisturizer This summer you don’t want to get dry or sunburned. Fight the heat with this all-natural, paraben free protective lotion! Yestocarrots.com Every Man Jack Cream Shave Cream This non-toxic, fragrance free shave cream preps your face for the next shave leaving your skin comfortable and smooth to a ladies touch! Everymanjack.com Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 HR Blush Tarte’s Amazonian clay blushes aren’t just for rosy cheeks, these solarbaked blushes restore peace in your skin whether its oily or dry. These non-toxic blushes come in 8 shades made for you! Tartecosmetics.com Ecotools Bamboo Brushes These make-up brushes are incredible! A Keep A Breast Team MUST HAVE! They come in every set imaginable with the cutest bags, and on top of it all they have bamboo handles and eco bristles! These brushes are so soft and apply your make up perfectly. Ecotools.com
100% of the net proceeds from the wholesale sale of all KAB items are donated or directed to The Keep A Breast Foundation, a worldwide non-profit organization.