Hola Hola!!! We are halfway through the week, so let's keep going to complete our goals. With that said chicas, I want to share an awesome experience I had with Susan G. Komen San Diego. First and foremost, I like to give thanks to Suzy Garcia, Director of Scatena Daniels Communications for allowing an opportunity to explore the cocktail hour for Screens, Genes and The Decision We Make event.

Are you ready to learn what the cocktail hour was all about? Bueno, eating and drinking of course! Pero no te creas que fue asi, in all seriousness it was an opportunity to learn about the many faces that stand behind Susan G. Komen's mission. And that's everyone from advocates, educators, patient navigators, case managers, survivors, local community members far and near, mayors, doctors, sponsors, donors, clinics and hospitals. Mujeres, we have a team of experts standing behind us every step of the way, so don't let your fear prevent you from getting screened today, tomorrow or the next day. When you are ready, so is the community.

Here are a couple of facts that I've learned:

Over 300 guest gathered to hear about the latest in breast cancer health treatment at Susan G. Komen San Diego's  "Screens, Genes & the Choice We Make"

Bank of America is the presenting sponsor of Susan G. Komen San Diego's Screen, Genes & The choices We Make.

(photo credit: Lauren Radack)

Dr. Dennis Holmes and Gina Champion-Can Joined "Screens, Gene & the Choices We Make", to inform guest on the latest in breast health treatment and holistic well-being.

(photo credit: Lauren Radack)

Award-winning Joan Lunden shared her breast cancer journey and the importance of breast health advocacy at Susan G. Komen San Diego's "Screens, Genes & the Choices We Make."

(photo credit: Lauren Radack)

Okay, chicas, now that I have your attention, I am going to give you a quick inside look at the mammogram mobile unit. The floor plan inside is modern, organized and clean. Once you set foot inside you will find a small registration area to the right and then to the left there is a small sitting area with a vital sign machine. Further down the unit is a small hall way and a cute small changing room to prepare yourself for the exam.

In the back of the mobile unit is the mammogram machine, a technician station and a small area to lay down for a breast exam. Once the provider is done with the breast exam, the technician will then walk you over to the mammogram machine to start the screening process. As you can see, I took a brief moment to lay down and experience what women feel as they are mentally preparing themselves for the exam and your probably wondering why?

Well that's because I know all to well how it feels to be in your shoes. At the age of 26, I had my first ultrasound of my right breast which then resulted in getting my first bilateral diagnostic mammogram. Obviously there was an area of suspicion, but I am thankful that everything came out benign (normal). The most important lesson learned in my experience and as a Latina was conquering my fear of the unknown, but also placing the example to my fellow Latinas que no estan solas! 

(Ambrocia and I)

Thanks to my photographer Kelly Wallace for capturing the moments and accompanying me to the event. Not only did we capture the experience, but we met two special survivors that day, Wendy Shurelds and Barb Whatley. I can go on and on about their stories, but I am personally going to save that for another time because I believe inviting them to the podcast will have a greater impact.

(Kelly Wallace)

(Wendy Shurelds, Survivor)

(To the Left: Barb Whatley , Surfer/Survivor)

Okay chicas, I am happy to share that the Komen event raised $210,000 dollars!! Woohoo!

Remember, regardless of your age, race and ethnicity.

Every Women Counts!

Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching and while we are all trying to get through the busy week; I know we're all looking forward to a relaxing weekend with breakfast in bed. So, let's send summer out in style with this delicious buckwheat and blueberry pancake breakfast recipe created by  Tina Fanilli Moraccini, Valentina and Mimi Moraccini "Piccolo Chef" in Los Angeles.

Tina and her daughters began creating delicious healthy recipes for their Piccolo Chef foundation which focuses on healthy cooking with kids. And due to their creative recipes and unique cooking styles they have join forces with the Got Milk? campaign to inspire healthy meals for younger generations, the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), has launched a new statewide program that features recipes created by and for kids.

Although we don't have children yet, exposure to cooking at home has inspired my husband and I to cook more often at home versus eating out to restaurants, plus the kid friendly creations prepared by the Jr. Got Milk? chefs are packed with fresh fruits, vegetable and smart ingredients swaps (e.g. buckwheat instead of traditional flour).