According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. This means that you very likely know, or will know in the future, someone who has struggled with this disease. As a child, I had a neighbor named Carol who fought breast cancer for years, eventually losing the battle.

Thankfully, breast cancer survival rates are better now than they ever have been. In fact, if breast cancer is detected early, a woman has better than a 96 percent chance of surviving! It is my fervent hope that I will be lucky enough to see the total eradication of breast cancer in my life time. In the meantime, there are some fantastic ways to support breast cancer research, and get fit at the same time!

The Breast Cancer 3-Day

One of the most significant and personal ways you can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer is to participate in a local Breast Cancer 3-Day event. This 60 mile walk raises millions of dollars for breast cancer patient support and research programs each year. 85 percent of the proceeds go directly Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the other 15 percent goes to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund to provide permanent support of breast cancer initiatives.

Many people participate in the 3-Day as a way to celebrate their triumph over breast cancer, or to honor loved ones who have been lost, but even if you’ve never known anyone who has struggled with this disease, you are welcome to participate. Food, beverages, nightly entertainment, and tents are provided.

Want to know more about the Breast Cancer 3-Day? Check out the FAQs and list of dates and locations.

With small children at home, the Breast Cancer 3-Day may be impossible for you at this time. You can still make a difference by choosing products that support breast cancer. If you’re going to buy fitness equipment and apparel anyway, why not support aid the fight against breast cancer at the same time?

Lace Up for the Cure

Check out New Balance’s Lace Up for the Cure footwear and apparel collection. When these items are purchased, New Balance will contribute 15 percent of wholesale values to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with a minimum annual donation of $500,000, and a maximum of $1 Million. Surf over to Lace Up for the Cure to find a bunch of cute, useful fitness products that will aid such a great cause.

Pink Pedaling

If you’re in the market for a new bicycle, why not purchase the Forge Athena V in Hope Pink? Partial proceeds from the sale of this beautiful bike are donated to the American Breast Cancer Foundation. You can buy this bike now at Target.com.

Every time you buy one of these products, you are standing up to breast cancer. Together, we really can make a difference!

Andrea McMann is a freelance writer who lives in Northeast Nebraska with her husband and their children, ages five and two. She believes that mothers, like everyone, are at their best when they feel good about themselves. In the spring of 2007, (while in a fitting room, trying on a bathing suit!), she made a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. She reached her weight-loss goal and (despite a Christmas cookie-related relapse) plans to keep the weight off. She struggles with temptation almost daily, but she takes life one day at a time, rewards herself for each small success, and tries not to give herself a guilt-trip when she lapses. Andrea is excited to join Peekaboo Picks and looks forward to sharing her stories of inspiration, success, setbacks, and self-esteem.  Read more of Andrea on her blog, Chocolate Fingerprints.