Breast Cancer

If there ever was a right time to be diagnosed with breast cancer , Beth Thompson found one. In February 2006, the pea-size tumor in her right breast was too small for a clinical trial of Herceptin, a targeted therapy that had proved effective in advanced stages of the aggressive cancer Thompson had. She underwent a lumpectomy and chemotherapy. When the cancer continued to show signs of growth, she had a double mastectomy. But soon after, her doctor, buoyed by promising trial results, encouraged her to consider Herceptin, developed by Genetech to target the protein that fuels the cancer's growth.

A stranger approached a cluster of women laughing and chatting at an Annapolis coffee shop and politely inquired what type of group was having so much fun. "One that you don't want to join," answered 55-year-old Sally Ring, setting off another wave of giggles. Moments earlier, Ring had told the group her cancer had spread to her bones and she'd had another stint on a ventilator. Her colorful storytelling had the women doubled over. "My motto for through this whole thing is that somebody has it much worse," Ring said.

It is well documented that African-American women with breast cancer are more likely to have a more aggressive type of the disease that kills them, but why remains a mystery. The answers may be found one day soon, as researchers focus more on the genetic makeup of cancer tumors and how African-American women may respond differently to treatment than women of other races. "There are two different tracks of research going on that could in the future help better treat African-American women with breast cancer ," said Rebecca McCoy, community health director of the advocacy group Komen Maryland.

On Thursday night, the wait staff at Columbia's Iron Bridge Wine Co. will be wear bright pink T-shirts declaring, "I'd rather be eating at Aida Bistro & Wine Bar . " The unusual endorsement is a make-good on a fundraising challenge issued by Iron Bridge owner Steve Wecker to fellow restaurateurs during April's Pink Plate Specials fundraiser for Howard County's Blossoms of Hope project. The challenge -- to raise more money than Iron Bridge -- was met by Aida owners Joe and Mary Barbera, who raised almost $6,000 more than Iron Bridge did for Blossoms of Hope , the cherry-tree beautification project in Howard County that raises awareness for breast cancer.

Before she joined the sea of pink-clothed people who turned out for a breast cancer walk in Baltimore Sunday morning, Janet Warren filled out a medical history and gave a blood sample. It was a different way to show her commitment to the cause - one that will last for years. The American Cancer Society is recruiting adults who haven't had cancer to take part in a broad, long-lasting prevention study, the latest in a string of studies that date back 60 years. The nonprofit group hopes that by collecting health and lifestyle information from 300,000 Americans, it can help researchers find more clues to the frustrating mystery that is cancer - and develop more ways of battling it. Participants agree to send updates every few years for the next two to three decades.

A selection of resources for breast cancer patients and families: Nonprofits, charities and support groups Active Survivors Network Helps people affected by illness, disease and accidents to maintain an active lifestyle. activesurvivor.org or 410-823-0562 American Cancer Society Offers and links patients to education, support and assistance programs, such as Look Good...Feel Better, Wigs - Free or Reduced, Reach to Recovery, and more, at area locations. Holds the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk every October.

As a matter of principle, members of the Annapolis firefighters union are facing fines of up to $1,000 a day and six-month prison terms. Their offense: selling breast cancer awareness T-shirts. "We're trying to do something good for the community and we're getting hassled," said union President Lt. Caroll Spriggs. City officials told the union it needs a solicitor's license to collect donations on public property, setting off a debate that divided the city council and infuriated the union.

Archbishop Spalding has been hosting a fundraiser for the fight against cancer for the past six years, but Thursday's field hockey game carries special meaning for both the Cavaliers and their opponent, St. Mary's, which is playing in the contest for the first time. Several weeks ago, Spalding librarian Janet Distasio, who was the team's honorary captain two years ago, lost her battle with cancer; and three months ago -- on July 13 -- St. Mary's student Sarah Anne McMahon, 17, died from complications of leukemia.

The Baltimore Ravens and the NFL have rallied against breast cancer for years.  Now Joe Flacco is going even further on his own. The quarterback has lent his name to The Red Devils for a new "Pink Power" T-shirt. The Red Devils will use money raised by the shirts to help breast cancer patients and their families. The tees feature a pink silhouette of Flacco, his name and the well-recognized breast cancer ribbon. And unlike most of the gestures pro ball players make on behalf of breast cancer -- wearing pink shoes or gloves for certain games -- this pink is the real breast cancer pink.

Komen Maryland counts on Race for the Cure to pay for programs and support services related to breast cancer , but as the date for the 20th annual event approaches the group is facing steep declines in the number of people signed up and the amount of money raised. A little more than two weeks before the Oct. 21 event in Hunt Valley, registrations for the run/walk are off 42 percent and donations are down 55 percent, Komen Maryland disclosed Thursday. The organization blames the weak economy and tightened purse strings, but marketing experts say it's more likely fallout from the controversial decision by its parent organization earlier this year to stop funding the social services organization Planned Parenthood.