Integral to Five Star Tack is the bridles with benefits program. Twenty percent of profits are donated to selected charities engaged in animal welfare as well as cancer research and awareness. As a breast cancer survivor, I have personally benefitted from the ground breaking research and drugs funded by some of these charities. I have also known too many people whose lives have been cut short due to cancer and the lack of a drug to stop it. In 2010 cancer will overtake heart disease as the number one killer worldwide. This is a fact that cannot be ignored. I am also concerned for the welfare of the thousands of retiring race horses and the uncertain future they face when their racing days are over. In a multi-billion dollar industry little thought is given to what happens to these horses who give so much. My father, who passed away in 2009, was a strong believer in giving back to charity and in this way I am able to honor his life. On December 23, 2009 the first checks were mailed to each charity! All charities listed are 501 (c)(3) organizations.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation The Breast Cancer Research Foundation was established by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, with the intention of bringing about a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime. In 2002, BCRF expanded its mission to include prevention as well as cure, reflecting the direction of its research grants aimed at prevention as well as treatment. Below are highlights of some of the work they have funded.
BCRF is the lead organization in funding research on genetic susceptibility in breast cancer. Since 1997, The New York Breast Cancer Study, has been identifying the genes underlying inherited risk of breast cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2). This program is a model for genetic breast cancer prevention screening. The development and refinement of the breakthrough drug Herceptin for Her2 positive breast cancer has been an ongoing BCRF endeavor. Herceptin is considered a “life saver” by many women with this aggressive form of breast cancer. BCRF has established a leadership role in breast cancer clinical trials. BRCF have provided crucial funding for studies on what “drives” triple negative breast cancer, a difficult form of breast cancer to treat. As more women survive breast cancer, scientific understanding of factors that hinder or enhance survival is crucial. For more information, visit www.bcrfcure.org.
Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation January 2010 -The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers Association announced that Monique Koehler founder of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, whose tireless work saving retired racehorses through Thoroughbred retirement programs, will be honored with the 2009 Special Eclipse Award.
The TRF was founded in 1982 and has become the largest retired equine rescue program in the US. Since its inception, the TRF has been providing lifetime care, retraining and adoption for retired Thoroughbreds at TRF-operated farms across the US.
In the early stages of or the organization, Koehler negotiated a milestone agreement with the State of New York Department of Correctional Services. In exchange for land use and labor at the state's Walkill Correctional Facility, the TRF would design, staff and maintain a vocational training program in equine care and management for inmates.
The prison program was recently expanded at Wallkill and has been replicated at TRF farms located at several correctional facilities. Through the TRF thousands of horses have been saved, thousands more whose rescue, rehabilitation or adoption have been facilitated, and men, women and children’s lives have changed for the better through the TRF's pioneering vocational training programs. Their website is www.trfinc.org.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of Alexandra “Alex” Scott - a young cancer patient. In 2000, at the age of four, Alex held her very first lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer causes, specifically research leading to a cure. The lemonade stand was a huge success, inspiring Alex to make it an annual event.
After fighting her battle with cancer for over seven years, cancer ultimately took Alex’s life in August of 2004. She was 8-years-old. At the time of her passing, she had raised over $1 million for childhood cancer research. With the help of thousands of volunteers across the country, donors who give and generous sponsors, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation has raised over $25 million for childhood cancer research. Children across the US have raised funds for ALSF by holding their own lemonade stands with proceeds going to the charity. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Grants Program is helping researchers throughout the country move closer to the day when cure is a reality for all children with cancer. For more information, visit www.alexslemonade.org.
Livestrong The Lance Armstrong Foundation inspires and empowers people affected by cancer. At age 25, Lance Armstrong was one of the world's best cyclists. Then they told him he had testicular cancer.
Next to the challenge he now faced, bike racing seemed insignificant. Like most young, healthy men, Lance ignored the warning signs, and he never imagined the seriousness of his condition. Going untreated, the cancer had spread to Lance's abdomen, lungs and brain. His chances dimmed. Through a combination of physical conditioning, a strong support system and competitive spirit took over. He declared himself not a cancer victim but a cancer survivor. He took an active role in educating himself about his disease and the treatment. He chose to live strong. During his treatment he created the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
LAF has been instrumental in raising awareness of cancer prevention as well as recognizing the needs of the millions of cancer survivors. In 2009 they put cancer on the world stage with the Global Cancer Campaign and brought about initiatives and outreach programs to underdeveloped nations. In 2009 Lance Armstrong rode for all cancer survivors when he returned to cycling and rode in the Tour de France. LAF generates cancer awareness and support through grassroots events held across the country on LIVESTRONG Day. For more information, please visit www.livestrong.org.
