Fighting breast cancer one chocolate at a time

Press Release - January 12, 2004
NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 12, 2004
CONTACT:
LINDA HERTER
(574) 243-1021

PINK LADY BUG CHOCOLATES FIGHT BREAST CANCER

SOUTH BEND, IN - The health benefits of chocolate can now include the fight against breast cancer with the introduction of "Pink Lady BugT Chocolates." Chocolates are the perfect gift for that special person on Mother's Day. Why not make that gift a box of Pink Lady BugT Chocolates -The gift that gives "twice". A portion of the proceeds from the sales of these chocolates will go toward funding mammograms for women who cannot afford them and research to help find a cure.

The lady behind the "Pink Lady BugT Chocolates is Linda Herter. A breast cancer survivor, Herter came up with the idea of helping other women with chocolates when she was undergoing chemotherapy treatments in the fall of 2000. "My mom and I both survived breast cancer that was found by mammograms. I don't want my 24 year old daughter or two nieces to go through this."

"During treatment, I lost my appetite for most of my favorite foods," said Linda "but no matter how bad I felt, I never lost my love for chocolate." Once her treatments were done, Linda felt committed to helping other women. She decided to develop chocolates that could not only lift the spirits of women, but also help prevent breast cancer. Each box of chocolates contains an insert that tells Linda's story and encourages women to get mammograms. The ladybug theme was chosen for its symbolism of renewed life.

"Early detection is the key to survival," Linda said. "And unfortunately, not all women are getting their mammograms because their insurance doesn't pay for them or they just can't afford it." With a portion of the proceeds going towards programs designed to help these women, Linda hopes to make a difference.

Linda's story and the "Pink Lady BugT Chocolates" are gaining national attention. The chocolates were featured as the chocolate of the month in the October issue of O, The Oprah Magazine. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation featured the "Pink Lady BugT Chocolates" at the Global Landmarks Illumination Initiative event this October at the Mall of America in Minnesota.

Locally, Linda has helped many women with her cause. An active member of the Women's Cancer Task Force and The American Cancer Society, Linda has served as the chairman of The Secret Sister Society, a group formed from Linda's vision to help underserved women get mammograms. Her story has appeared on local television, WNDU-TV and in the South Bend Tribune newspaper.