Daily Good Gossip

Soccer Star Goes Pink or Breast Cancer

Currently a member of the US Women’s National Team, Leslie Osborne received her first call up in 2003 and now has 59 caps for the US Team. In 2006 she was chosen as a finalist for the US soccer player of the year. In September of 2007, she competed in her first World Cup and earned the bronze medal.

Additionally, Osborne has proven herself off the field, running her own soccer camps around the country, and tirelessly promoting America Scores, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Puma’s Project Pink, among others.

With such an impressive resume of charitable work, Look to the Stars was eager to ask the classy kicker a few questions.


Tell us about Puma’s Project Pink and how you came to be involved?

Project Pink is an initiative that PUMA developed alongside the female soccer community to help give young women a voice in support of the fight against breast cancer. PUMA hosted Project Pink games, donated 100% of their profits from the sale of Project Pink gear, and created a Twitter hash tag, #projectpink, to help raise awareness — they even donated an extra $1 every time the hash tag was used. PUMA empowered young women to decide who would ultimately benefit from the money that was raised and, at the end of the 2011 program in October, we were really proud to donate over $100,000 to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. 


What does Puma’s Project Pink mean to you personally? Why is it important for you to be involved?

It means a lot to me and relates to me directly in many ways. I realize I’m in a special position to help make an impact, and I’m happy to do whatever I can to help raise awareness and funds. Project Pink is a unique program and really special in the way that it hits home. 


After the FIFA Women’s World Cup against Japan, you stated that the ‘women showed strength, dedication, unity, determination, fight, heart and many, many other things.’ Which essentially makes you, Tasha, Marta and Julie Foudy natural fits for Puma’s Pink Project campaign. With that in mind, and knowing there appears be a shortage of role models for young women, do you think female celebrity/athletes have a responsibility to encourage the next generation of Project Pink warriors?

Tasha, Marta, Julie and I are all competitors and warriors with strength, dedication, fight and heart in a lot of areas in our lives. It’s really special that people get to see us on the field, but what we do off the field is just as important. I don’t want to say that celebrities or athletes have to feel like they have to get involved, because it won’t have the same effect if they’re not doing it because they want to and they don’t feel passionately about it. When an athlete or a celebrity does realize the impact they have on the younger generations, it’s a truly inspiring and amazing thing. It’s the small things that make a huge difference and go a long way.

What is the perception of female professional athletes in this country and how has that changed over the last 10 years?

Well, that’s probably a question for someone who is currently not an athlete, but I’ll answer it as best and as unbiased as I can. I think, now, a female professional athlete is perceived as strong, powerful, dedicated, competitive, and more beautiful/feminine than maybe she was 10 years ago. Female athletes today are able to express themselves, even when they are competing. Serena Williams wearing her fashion line while dominating on the court with big earrings, a funky top, colorful skirt and bracelets —10 years ago, you wouldn’t have seen that. I also think female athletes are getting involved in a lot more than just competing. For example, you see athletes on Dancing with the Stars, doing charity work, broadcasting on ESPN. You learn so much playing sports, growing up and professionally, and it’s great to see the benefits on and off the field. 


Any personal (off the field) experiences that have inspired you to give back?

Of course. There are examples every day. I grew up in Wisconsin where I didn’t have a lot of great role models, so I think about all the kids all over the country and the world who might not have someone positive to look up to. I have lived a very blessed life, and sometimes you can get caught up in the small things. I feel that the challenges I’ve faced have happened to me for a reason, to keep me grounded and reminded how lucky I am and how much it means to give back. That’s why I’m an ambassador for Grassroot Soccer, I’m involved in America Scores, I go and visit kids at the Children’s Hospital in Boston, and I run my camps/clinics for kids around the country. With every little thing I can do, I believe I can make a small impact. 


If you were to go one-on-one against any professional male soccer player, who would it be?

I would like to play with Xavi and Iniesta from Barcelona. They are two of the best center midfielders in the world — so maybe not against them, but I’d like to play with them. Or maybe have a training session… 


Tell us about your soccer camps?

I have been doing my soccer camps since 2005. My best friend and I started Osborne Tarpley Academy and we have done clinics in Wisconsin, Illinois, California, Arizona and Boston. We both grew up in the Midwest and love working with kids. We realize how important it is when kids get to meet and learn from great role models. We usually do a clinic where there are multiple sessions on the field but also off the field — we realize that this is usually where kids are impacted most. I am very lucky and love being on the field with the kids. 

Julie Foudy held one of her camps in Wisconsin when I was 12 — I met her and she told me that, one day, if I continued to work very hard and get better, maybe I could play for the US team. That was a VERY SPECIAL moment for me. I like to think that maybe I can have an impact on someone like that going forward. 


Which talent would you most like to have that you don’t?

On the field – I would like to be really, really fast and just dribble around everyone. I used to do that when I was younger and I miss that. Now, I rely on my long legs and my fitness because I’m not as fast.

Off the field – I would like to be able to sing. I’m tone deaf, which doesn’t help. 



What do you admire most in others?

I appreciate hard work. No matter what you do, just work hard. It’s such a great tool for life. You will be successful in life if you work hard and secondly, if you have a good attitude, even when times are tough.

If you could ask people to do one thing, what would it be?

Smile, be happy, make a difference. 



How would you like to be remembered?

For being a good person. Yes, being a great athlete and soccer player is great, but it’s more important for me to be remembered as a good person and someone who made a difference in the world.

Source: www.looktothestars.org

Daily Good Gossip

Reese Witherspoon Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Avon Foundation for Women Honorary Chairperson Reese Witherspoon recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the 2011 Global Breast Cancer Congress on Sunday – where she launched a new Avon Foundation for Women-funded global breast cancer scholarship program – and at the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer – where she presented more than $9.1 million in grants to New York-area breast cancer programs.

At the closing session of the 2011 Breast Cancer Global Congress, Witherspoon announced the Avon Global Breast Cancer Clinical Scholars Program, which will fund scholarships for breast cancer specialists from outside the United States to receive advanced training at leading U.S. breast cancer centers. The Congress, a partnership between the Avon Foundation for Women and the U.S. Department of State, began on October 12 in Washington, DC, and convened nearly 150 participants from 57 countries who are global leaders in breast cancer research, detection, treatment and advocacy to discuss the latest trends in breast cancer incidence and mortality, screening, prevention and treatment.

“Just as you are all here to gain new knowledge about improved methods to fight breast cancer around the world, the Avon Global Breast Cancer Clinical Scholars will have a once in a lifetime global opportunity to share scientific knowledge about treating breast cancer,” Witherspoon told the congressional delegates. “The scholars will learn from the very best doctors in the United States and will return home with advanced skills and new information that will improve both the treatment and care of women facing breast cancer in their countries.”

Beginning in 2012, the Avon Global Scholars program will bring up to 50 outstanding doctors to the United States for an intensive 4-8 week training program and preceptorship at one of 12 Avon Foundation-funded breast cancer centers, including Avon Breast Cancer Centers of Excellence at Columbia University-NY Presbyterian Hospital, Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University, Emory University and University of California San Francisco – San Francisco General Hospital. Areas of study will include breast cancer surgery, pathology, breast imaging (radiology), medical oncology, clinical trial design and community/public health. Submission of proposals and application forms for the Global Scholars Program will be accepted beginning November 1, 2011 at www.avonfoundation.org.

Following the announcement, Witherspoon walked along the Avon Walk route, ending at Pier 84 where she met with breast cancer survivors who had just completed the 39.3-mile, weekend-long fund-raising event. Then Witherspoon joined more than 3,500 Avon Walk participants, and thousands of their friends and families, at the event’s closing ceremony.

The Avon Walk New York raised more than $8.4 million to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, which is added to the more than $422 million raised by the Avon Walks since 2003. The Walk attracted 3,500 participants from 42 states, Washington, D.C., and six countries—including Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Denmark and Switzerland—along with 430 men and 444 breast cancer survivors. To ensure the funds raised immediately benefit the community, Witherspoon presented more than $9.1 million in grants to ten New York-area breast cancer organizations; more grants are slated to be awarded throughout the year to breast cancer programs nationwide.

“I’m absolutely amazed at what you all just did,” Witherspoon told the cheering crowd. “Walking all those miles, raising all that money and sleeping in those cool pink tents! All of you came here this weekend to make sure there are more survivors in our world, and the money you raised and the awareness you spread will help save lives.”

Since its launch in 2003, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series has raised more than $422 million through the dedication of 163,000 participating women and men from across the country, including thousands of Avon employees and Sales Representatives. The Avon Walk New York is the eighth event in 2011; the last Avon Walk of the season takes place next weekend in Charlotte, NC (October 22-23). Registration is open for the nine 2012 Avon Walks for Breast Cancer season at www.avonwalk.org.



Source: www.looktothestars.org

The Spirit of Pink

I Wear Pink For____________ by jodente featuring leather handbags

Bloggy Giveaway-Tell us your story about Breast Cancer and win a dekoposh, Inc. Pink Gift Package

As a reader of The Deko and Posh Blog we want to make you aware of an opportunity to honor someone in your life that has either died, survived, and/or fighting breast cancer with a giveaway.

In 1982, Nancy G. Brinker founded Susan G. Komen for the Cure to fight breast cancer as a tribute to her sister Susan's struggle with the disease.

Now Deko and Posh would like to honor our readers by hearing your stories of breast cancer. Please leave a comment here (your story) on someone in your life that has either died, survived, and/or fighting breast cancer. We want to hear your story as we will be randomly selecting one comment to win a Pink Gift Package from dekoposh, Inc. In the package you will receive a Pink OMG Tween Tee, a Pink BFF onesie, a Breast Cancer Awareness Build a Purse, a Pink BLNT Teen Tee, and a pink Breast Cancer Awareness Pin. Wow Wee!!!!!!!!!!!!

This will run until October 31st. We will announce the winner on Novemeber 1st. Please make sure you leave your email address, so we can contact you if you win.

Best of Luck to all of you, start leaving your stories. Log onto Bloggy Giveaways for more giveaways.






L8R...Deko and Posh

Charity of the Month of October-DenimDay.com

deko and posh here...We have selected our Charity for the month of October and it is DenimDay. Log on to our site and donate what you can. We have a goal to reach $1000.00 for the month of October, so please help us spread the word. All we need is 1000 people to donate $1.00 and we will be at our goal. dekoposh, Inc. is also donating $1.00 for every Breast Cancer Awareness Build a Purse sold during the month of October.

Lee National Denim Day® History
Since its inception in 1996, Lee National Denim Day has adhered to a simple philosophy: one day, one cause, one cure®. In 12 years, that philosophy has become a mantra for millions and has made an impact Lee Jeans never dreamed possible.

It all started when several Lee Jeans employees realized that each of them, in one form or another, had been touched by breast cancer. An everyday conversation sparked an idea and led to the creation of Lee National Denim Day, which has become one of the largest single-day fundraisers nationwide for breast cancer.

In its first year, Lee Jeans set a goal of raising $1 million on Lee National Denim Day. To do this, Lee Jeans invited companies to go casual for a cause, inviting employees to wear their jeans to work on Denim Day in exchange for a $5 contribution to the fight against breast cancer. The underlying concept behind the program was simple—by convincing enough people to take one small step, together they could reach an incredible goal.

The response to the inaugural Lee National Denim Day program was astounding. That year, more than 3,000 companies signed up to participate, raising $1.4 million dollars for the fight against breast cancer, setting the stage for what would become one of the most captivating social action campaigns in the country.

Since its first year, Lee National Denim Day has raised more than $70 million for the fight against breast cancer and unites nearly one million supporters nationwide each year.