| According to classic legend, the Amazon warrior | | | | horrors of breast cancer to not only defeat their |
| women would remove a breast in order to be able | | | | disease but go on to live even better lives than |
| to draw a bow and arrow unhindered. In fact, the | | | | before. So she used her artistic talents to design a |
| word "Amazon" derives from the Greek amazoi, | | | | line of twenty-four greeting cards containing very |
| meaning, "without a breast." And though most breast | | | | personal messages just for the breast cancer |
| cancer survivors today do not voluntarily have a | | | | survivor. The cards, containing beautiful art and |
| breast removed, they are called upon to be mighty | | | | messages ranging from the inspirational "Fight for |
| warriors in their own right. If given the right tools, | | | | your dream" to the encouraging "You are not alone" |
| encouragement and support, they can persevere and | | | | to the lighthearted "Eat dessert!" can be purchased |
| conquer just as thoroughly as the legendary | | | | as gift or donated subscriptions by visiting [ |
| Amazons did. | | | | Those who do not personally experience breast |
| Often times breast cancer survivors, and their friends | | | | cancer, though they are sympathetic to what the |
| and loved ones as well, are at a loss as to what to | | | | breast cancer survivor is going through, often simply |
| say or do. They are scared, they are disoriented, and | | | | cannot relate to their fears and struggles. But they |
| they are unsure of what the future holds or indeed if | | | | can choose to encourage them, and let them know |
| there will even be a future for them. Because of this | | | | they are not alone, by drawing on the talents and |
| insecurity and uncertainty, organizations like The | | | | insights of others who have been there, such as Ms. |
| Amazos Society were formed to lend much needed | | | | Wells. The more emotional support and love these |
| emotional support to survivors and their families. | | | | "warriors" receive, the more will to fight they will |
| The Amazos Society was formed by Carla Wells, a | | | | have. |
| seven plus year breast cancer survivor who knows | | | | There is a lot of help out there for breast cancer |
| very well what it is like to face the fear and the | | | | survivors in the form of research, fund-raising |
| uncertainty and the just plain ugliness of breast | | | | activities and local groups. However, it means a great |
| cancer. Physically and emotionally drained, Ms. Wells | | | | deal to them to receive something much more |
| found herself fighting a losing battle to hold on to her | | | | personal. Something that brings encouragement to a |
| giftware business of fifteen years while at the same | | | | woman right where she needs it-- in her soul. That is |
| time trying to hold on to her very life. Seventeen | | | | something that The Amazos Society is determined |
| hundred miles away from friends and family, and | | | | to do, powerfully and simply. |
| forced into a position of being without health | | | | As Ms. Wells states, "We do not get to choose |
| insurance, she indeed had to call on the inner strength | | | | whether or not we get cancer. But we can choose |
| of the Amazon warrior to see her through. | | | | to fight. I do not want even one woman to ever |
| Inspired by her own tough battle, Ms. Wells decided | | | | stop fighting." |
| to encourage and motivate others living with the | | | | And neither should you. |