In past years, I have given my mother jewelry, flowers and framed photos, but I believe this year’s gift will be her favorite. This Mother’s Day I am giving my mother a gift that could save lives. I am making a contribution to the Prevent Cancer Foundation in her honor memorializing the loved ones we have lost to cancer. I’m standing with the Prevent Cancer Foundation community to Stop Cancer Before It Starts!

You can also show your mom how much you love and appreciate her by celebrating Mother’s Day with fun and healthy activities you can do together that help reduce cancer risk. Some great ideas she’s sure to love are:

• Plant a garden. Gardening is a great way to bond with your mother and put your muscles to good use! Make the most out of your gardening experience by planting fruits and vegetables with cancer fighting antioxidants.
• Cook a healthy Mother’s Day meal. Give your mom the day off by preparing these delicious and nutritious recipes for either breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert: Breakfast Tacos, Banana-Berry Smoothies, Caramelized Onion Lasagna, or Blueberry Tart with Walnut Crust.
• Train for a 5k race/walk. Get the whole family to sign up for an upcoming walk/run event and spend Mother’s day walking or running a trail together. The Prevent Cancer Foundation 5k Walk/Run on Sunday, September 29 at Nationals Park in Washington, DC is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to saving lives at a family friendly gathering!
• Have a heart-to-heart talk about cancer screenings. Let your mom know how much she means to you by talking openly with her about getting life-saving breast, cervical or colorectal cancer screenings. Encourage her to talk to her doctor about the screenings she needs.
• Take a fun fitness class together. Find a group fitness program that you and your mom can both enjoy. There are many different activities available for those of all different fitness levels. Try something like water aerobics, rock climbing, yoga, zumba or crossfit to keep you and your mom fit and feeling good.
• Learn about your mom’s family health history. Mother’s Day is a great time to have a simple conversation about your family’s medical background of cancer and other diseases. To learn how this important step can could save or prolong your life or the lives of your family members, watch our recent webcast: Family Medical History: Why and What You Should Know.

Your mom has taken care of you in so this Mother’s Day make sure she is taking care of herself, by staying active, eating healthy and getting regular cancer screenings. Join me in celebrating mothers for all that they do by making a donation in honor or in memory of your loved one; a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, wife, colleague or friend.

Jamie and her mom Julia

This Mother’s Day I am giving my mother a gift that will save lives.  I am making a contribution to the Prevent Cancer Foundation in her honor memorializing the family members we have lost to cancer.  I’m helping the Prevent Cancer Foundation to Stop Cancer Before It Starts!

Over a 10 year period my family experienced many tragedies through the death of loved ones from cancer; an experience for which many other families also share.  We lost my 17 year old sister to cancer in 2000, my grandfather was treated for prostate cancer that eventually metastasized to bone cancer and took his life in 2001, my other grandfather developed lung cancer and ultimately lost his battle in 2006. My remaining grandparent, my grandmother, succumbed to her battle with brain cancer in 2009.

Sara and Jamie Cooper

Working for the Prevent Cancer Foundation is more than just a job for me; it’s a mission to eradicate this terrible disease. To keep it from taking another loved one from my life.

Would you join me and consider making a tribute gift in memory or honor of your loved one; a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, wife, colleague or friend for Mother’s Day?

To learn more about your dollars at work, how to reduce your risk and prevent cancer please visit www.preventcancer.org.