NBCC house party!

In October, I attended the National Breast Cancer Coalition's Project Lead workshop, a weekend's introduction to the science and politics of breast cancer research. I learned a lot, and I wanted to get more involved. Mostly, I wanted to share the information I'd gained and help change the conversation about breast cancer. I promised then that I'd host a house party to do just that, as soon as grief and my workload ebbed a bit.

Party at our house! Sandy will co-host,
but she won't have to clean or cook or
do any of the pre-gathering things that
stressed her out. I'm just asking her to
show up and share her energy with us.

And here we are! Please join us on Sunday, April 15, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at our house. I'll send direct invitations to a bunch of people, but I'm sure I'm forgetting some. So, if you're reading this, consider yourself invited.

We can end breast cancer for ourselves and future generations. I honestly believe the goal is within reach. The National Breast Cancer Coalition is serious about achieving that goal by January 1, 2020. It's not just about sprinkling fairy dust and hoping that setting a date will make it happen, either. There's a concrete strategy in place that the coalition is already making progress on. Exciting things are happening. Researchers are changing the way they work together and the way they think about the problems. Frankly, I'm optimistic that the process could become a model for countless other medical research issues.

Unlike most cause-related house parties I've attended, the primary goal of this one isn't fundraising. If you feel inspired to give, great, but mainly I want to share what I've learned about the realities of breast cancer today as well as the plan for eradicating it so that we can all speak confidently and accurately whenever the topic arises. It's a party, so we'll have yummy snacks and you'll have time to chat with folks you know and those you're meeting for the first time. And, of course, you'll have the opportunity to do a few simple things to help the cause: sign petitions, send postcards to legislators, that sort of thing.

I hope many of you will join me for a friendly afternoon of food, socializing, informative conversation, and inspiration. Let's do this.