For those who may not know, October is National Breast Cancer month. I recently worked on a campaign for pharmaceutical corporation Novartis on a breast cancer ad for a new medication that they have. So when I heard about Monique's new organization for Breast Cancer, I was excited to see how I could help out.

Monique, one the lead instructors for the Silky Smooth Steppers, and a hard working entreprenuer, is the type of woman who makes things happen. Leveraging both her discipline and her people skills, her organization "Step and Think Pink" is destined for success. ChiStepper reached out to Monique for the 411 on her new breast cancer foundation and ways that the Steppin' community can support.

T. Pratt (TP): Where did the idea to create your not-for-profit organization "Step and Think Pink" come from?

Monique Salter (MS): I lost one of my very best friends to breast cancer. I saw first hand how devastating breast cancer can be, both physically and financially. After Bridgett passed away, I dedicated many sleepless nights to finding a way to make a difference in the lives of people living with breast cancer. I participated in The Avon Breast Cancer Walk twice, made countless donations to different breast cancer organizations and volunteered at several fundraising events, but I felt like that was not enough. Just so everyone knows, I support the efforts of other breast cancer foundations that have raised millions for research. However, this is such a big picture. What happens in the mean time? Yes, lets do all we can to find a cure but while the researchers are researching, people with breast cancer are struggling to pay their rent, buy their medication, and feed their children. Bridgett was told by 3 different programs that she did not qualify for assistance because she was too young. She would be given a phone number to call only to be told either the same thing or that she would be contacted later. Later came, but it was too late. Bridgett’s story, along with many others inspired me to create this foundation. With the primary focus being financial assistance, I know that we will make a difference in the lives of those individuals affected by breast cancer in and around our community.

TP: What types of services do you plan to offer women with Breast Cancer?

MS: All of our programs and services are designed to give support to women and men with breast cancer, survivors and their loved ones before, during and after treatment. We are currently developing these programs along with a screening process to assess the needs of each applicant. Once the application has been reviewed, services and funds can be quickly provided. Aside from our voucher program, I am very proud of our future Road To Recovery Program. This program will provide rides to and from treatment [appointments] for people with breast cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves. With your help, I know that my vision will become a reality.

TP: How and where can women with Breast Cancer get more information and sign up for your programs?

MS: Information about our programs and services will be forthcoming. We will keep you updated through The Pink News Letter and our website (stepandthinkpink.org). Feel free to email or call us directly if you have questions or concerns.

TP: The organization says "'Step' and Think Pink’.” How can the Steppin' community support your efforts?

MS: First, be sure to visit our website, stepandthinkpink.org and subscribe to The Pink News Letter and encourage as many people as possible to do the same. Forward the news letter every month to someone “new.” Help spread the word about the foundation and our agenda. Also, we will be hosting Pink Fundraisers throughout the year at several of our Breast Friend’s events. We are starting with The Pink Lollipop Project. The lollipops are just $1.00 each. We will be doing The Pink Raffle and many more. We would love to set up a table at your next event and distribute information about breast cancer & early detection. You may consider posting our widget on your website as Terrance plans to do. Whatever you do we truly appreciate your support. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so when you are heading out to the grocery store, to work or to a stepping event, wear your pink ribbon. This is a great way to promote awareness. It’s a sign of strength for people who have been directly affected. Together, let’s send a message to our friends, our loved ones and strangers on the street that they are not alone and we support them and encourage them in their fight to overcome the affects of breast cancer. Finally, if you are a breast cancer survivor, we want to post your courageous story on our Testimonial Page. Your story alone can encourage and give someone who is recently diagnosed hope.

Unfortunately, we ALL know of someone who is suffering with this horrible disease. We can’t help them if they don’t know about us. Our mission is to make a difference in the life of EVERYONE we meet that has been affected by this disease. Steppers everywhere can get involved.

CS: Tell us about the inaugural fundraiser / Steppin' event that you've planned to raise money for the foundation.

MS: The Main Event “STEPPIN AGAINST THE ODDS” will take place next year, Saturday, October 17th, 2009 at The Lexington House. ALL proceeds from this event will be donated to the foundation and distributed to individuals with breast cancer. We are hoping that everyone will purchase a ticket and plan to attend the event. Visit the upcoming events page for more details about this event.

CS: ChiStepper.com is a new "Breast Friend" of "Step and Think Pink." How can others become "Breast Friends?"

MS: Terrance, thank you so much for becoming a Breast Friend of the foundation and allowing me the opportunity to speak about it. For anyone else that would like to become a Breast Friend you must simply care about our cause. You must be concerned that this disease has impacted our entire community and is taking the life of someone every 13 minutes. Become a Breast Friend and help us spread the word about the foundation through your email blast, web postings and word of mouth. We certainly appreciate your efforts so we will post your information and/or upcoming event on our website and in the monthly Pink News Letter.

TP: You have always been so sweet and humble. I couldn't think of a better person to advocate for women with Breast Cancer. Do you have any closing thoughts or comments.

MS: Although breast cancer is a complex disease that has many faces, there has been an explosion of new information and a much deeper understanding of what causes breast cancer and what might eradicate it. So if you are someone that has ever been diagnosed with breast cancer, be encouraged. Our progress is strong and it is steady. We are getting closer to a cure. I know that prayer changes things and through God all things are possible. There are no victories without battles so to my brothers and sisters who are on the battlefield, you are not alone. We love you and we care about your fight and we want to join you in overcoming the affects of this terrible disease. Always remember, we cannot direct the wind but we can certainly adjust the sail.

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