As the days grow shorter as fall approaches, I find myself thinking about what I hope to achieve as the year winds down, starting to plan for the seasonal holidays that will bring friends and family together, and, overall, filled with a sense of appreciation and gratitude. 

Gratitude is a theme that runs through our work at the Foundation. We know that what we do would not be possible without the outpouring of love and support we have experienced since the Foundation was founded nearly 40 years ago. We appreciate every donor who has contributed to our work, and we cherish the research partnerships that inform our work, fuel our advances and continue to move us forward on our mission to end breast cancer.

Dr. Mark Rowe, an advocate of lifestyle medicine has written about how he uses the mnemonic GLAD to start his day. His routine goes as follows:

G:        What or who are you grateful for today?
L:         Let go: What can you do to let go today?
A:        Appreciation: Who can you appreciate today and show them that through gratitude or kindness
D:        Dedicated focus: What’s more important for dedicating your time and energy to today?

I think he is onto something. Starting your day with intention — and coffee! — can put you into a mindset that can help you define what needs to get done on your to-do list, what you need to do for you, and what you are grateful for. It can also help you overcome the nuisances and obstacles that will undoubtedly be part of the day as well.

As we enter into Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as we watch the world explode into all things pink, I believe setting intentions will help us focus our work on the unique research the Foundation brings to the breast cancer community.

We are so grateful for your commitment to us and our dedication to achieving a future without breast cancer. None of our work would be possible without you. Thank you for all your generosity, all your support, and all your LOVE.

If you would like to learn more about the work we continue to do, please visit https://www.towercancer.org/resource/research/ and donate today.