Supporting Breast Cancer Research

The other day, my fifteen year old son walked in the door with his best friend who was wearing a t-shirt that said "I Love Boobies." My son immediately asked me what I thought of the shirt and I didn't quite know what to say.

Part of me thought it was totally inappropriate for this kid to be wearing something like that but then part of me wanted to be a cool Dad. So I just let it go.

Then they showed me the rubber bracelets he was wearing and informed me that this wasn't just a naughty t-shirt but a "brand". Hmmm. Then all weekend I started noticing that teens were wearing these t-shirts and bracelets everywhere I went. Multiples even. I still didn't quite get it.

Then in true teenage style, the story slowly unfolded. "Dad, it's for charity -- breast cancer." Oh, why didn't you say that to begin with!

This "I Love Boobies" merchandise is part of The Keep a Breast Foundation, whose mission is to educate and motivate young people about early detection and getting rid of breast cancer. I think it's working -- it's completely infiltrating pop culture, much the way LiveStrong did a few years ago.

What I love about it is the sense of humor and the attitude. Puts it right out there, in a young and fresh way, and clearly makes the point.

In a similar vein, one of the teams participating in Susan G. Komen for the Cure is called Gaga for TaTas, and has a viral fundraising video called "Mammogram" which is a spoof of Lady Gaga's "PokerFace." Quite funny and hopefully will generate donations for the team and the cause. No subtleties here, and all done with a wink and a smile.

Putting it right out there, I love it! We are all surrounded by cancer. I have many many friends and family members who are dealing with it. It's refreshing to talk about it in new ways.

What's your experience? Jim.