"It’s been 10 years, now,” the strong voice said on the phone. Mari Justin is a breast cancer survivor. She, along with hundreds of thousands of breast cancer veterans have faced the demons and now crusade alongside those who are fresh on the battlefield.

Among the leading health issues, most people automatically think of breast cancer as the No. 1 killer for women.

It was the early summer of 2008 when Curtis Gruninger first thought of the idea to photograph thousands of cleavages adorned by pink ribbon necklaces for breast cancer awareness and charity.

Fred Mann had two ways to go Thursday night.

The numbers, which probably should be written in pink these days, are staggering but they are being helped out by a bunch of young women hitting and digging around the nation.

All month, Advanced Auto Service will be “Thinking Pink” to raise both funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. Donations raised in stores, by associates, as well as donations made direct to Team Advanced Thinks Pink will assist the American Cancer Society.

The Desert Cancer Foundation of Arizona is having its Learning, Loving and Living with Cancer Luncheon this month.

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce has announced nominees for the 2012 Palo Verde Business Woman of the Year and the 10 women are well known in the community for not only their business but their service.

Women across the Valley can “streak for a good cause” with a splash of pink hair when they make a $10 donation to support the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer at Brillare Hairdressing Academy through Oct. 31.

Did you know that every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer? Do you think breast cancer affects women only? Think again. Men are not exempt from breast cancer. Many breast cancers are fueled by estrogen, a hormone produced in fat tissue. Although there are numerous reasons why women predominantly experience estrogen dominance (use of birth control, menopause and pregnancy), both men and women are increasingly affected by estrogen dominance.

Thousands of local breast cancer survivors, volunteers, businesses and community members will walk together as a unified force to end breast cancer.

Playing her part in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ahwatukee Foothills studio salon owner April Harper is donating 10 percent of her revenue to a fundraiser benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The annual Dig Pink volleyball game between Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe girls volleyball teams will be on Oct. 25 at Desert Vista.

Ahwatukee Foothills resident and photographer Everardo Keeme was chosen to do a photo shoot for the Arizona Young Breast Cancer Survivor Support Initiative recently through a cooperative agreement between John C. Lincoln Health Network and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This initiative will change how Arizona supports young women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. This initiative will also increase awareness among the medical community and the general public. Keeme’s photos will be featured on a website that has been created as a result of this funding. The Arizona Breast Cancer Resource guide (azbreastcancer.org) has been developed to help women diagnosed with breast cancer, their families, caregivers, and medical professionals more easily access those resources available to help navigate the journey through breast cancer. This website will help ease the burden of searching for competent assistance and services that are needed most during this frightening and uncertain time. More information can be found on the website, azbreastcancer.org, or by email, azbreastcancer@JCL.com.

Ahwatukee Foothills resident Mark Moushey saw a lack of male participation when he was first learning about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. He took it upon himself to change that and bring awareness, and raise funds for the organization that does so much for those affected by breast cancer.

It's no longer a cash game.

The Dig Pink in Tukee volleyball match has become a significant event in the Ahwatukee Foothills community.

For an event to have sustainability it helps to have a wow moment.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

The Ahwatukee Foothills chapter of Chat, Chew and Chocolate will be hosting a special event Wednesday to honor local breast cancer survivors.

This month's Ahwatukee Chat, Chew and Chocolate signature event on Oct. 19 at the Foothills County Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive, will be special as they celebrate breast cancer awareness and a member of the Ahwatukee community, and a breast cancer survivor, Deb Tisdale.