We demand a commitment and a plan of action to end breast cancer. We demand leadership that will bring the world of public policy together to save lives.

Are we talking about the breast cancer issues that really matter?

The comfort of "pink" has softened the disease and given it a warm, fuzzy feel that any woman with breast cancer will tell you is just plain wrong.

Over time, Komen may find its footing and continue to prosper, or it will be permanently damaged by recent events. My feeling is that we've not heard the last of this issue, but time will tell.

When an organization uses the lives of our friends and families as political fodder, we don't take kindly to that. And we know how to raise a ruckus.

Advances in the diagnosis of breast cancer through ultrasound, mammography and breast MRI have helped reduce mortality rates by 25 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. But not for the poor.

I've been told it's impossible to end breast cancer. People said the same about curing polio or putting a man on the moon. But I'm hopeful.

The news this week that the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, after years of pressure from political groups, will end its support of lifesaving breast cancer screening at Planned Parenthood health centers comes as a blow to women across America.

How could a company supporting women's health founded by and for women not support a breast cancer survivor? Why is motherhood the only acceptable reason to leave the office before 6 p.m.?

Since my diagnosis, I've learned that femininity is not defined by your hair. I have even more confidence without it.

We need the truth and not the hype about breast cancer and we need it 12 months a year.

Every 3 minutes -- about the time it takes you to listen to your favorite song -- someone is diagnosed with breast cancer. With 1 in 8 women now expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer, this disease has touched all of us in some way.