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The MammySlammy: Mammograms with Courage and Humor

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St. Anthony, Idaho resident Sharon Marler has written a book that will save lives and inspire people to think out of the box about breast cancer prevention and treatment. The MammySlammy: Mammograms with Courage and Humor, draws on a creative idea Sharon actualized several years ago that has made life-changing differences in many womenÕs lives by helping them prevent, heal, and live through breast cancer.
The MammySlammy: Mammograms with Courage and Humor unveils SharonÕs inventionÑ the MammySlammy, a fun-packed all-womenÕs party, the centerpiece of which is a mammogram.
MammySlammy parties are so much fun that women actually make them an annual event they look forward to attending. Where else do you get to wear a tiara and dress in clothes and shoes you just shopped for with your girlfriends? Before or after the mammogram, you may visit a tattoo parlor and finally get that pretty rose etched into your shoulder or some other cool design painted on your ankleÑ who cares that you are in your 50Õs or 60Õs, or 70.s? Or you may stop by a spa for a relaxing facial or massage, and share an awesome dinner at a great restaurant with the gals you "mammy slammied" with, all wearing big smiles and colorful tee shirts sporting the phrase, "I got slammed!"
Whether itÕs tattoos or tantalizing desserts, the MammySlammy event is geared toward making a mammogram fun and comfortable for the women who get togetherÑ whatever their lifestyle. In the book, Sharon explains how to make the arrangements for the segment of the party that takes place at the medical facility that gives the test. She talks about the MammySlammy events she has planned and gives suggestions that will help you plan one for yourself and your friends. She shows you how to battle the fear and embarrassment you may feel when you think of having a mammogram done.
Sharon came up with the MammySlammy idea several years ago when she decided she did not want to go through an annual mammogram without some sisterly support. She had survived breast cancer and knew that the test was necessaryÑ but still, it was a frightening hurdle to jump over.
You are going to love the story of that first party, how the friendships have grown, and how the women now help the cancer community by participating in an annul Relay for Life event in Idaho Falls.
The second part of The MammySlammy looks at what happens if the mammogram finds cancer, as it did in SharonÕs case, after her first mammogram. It is SharonÕs very personal, inspiring story of battling breast cancer. Do not read this without a box of tissues close by. SharonÕs struggles were long, difficult, and often frustratingÑ only a person with a big heart and heroic character can survive what she went through. During her treatment and healing, Sharon had special goals she wanted to meet in her professional life. This played a huge role in helping her get through her trial because the inner strength she drew on to meet her professional goals fortified the healing energy required to overcome the cancer. Bottom line, Sharon is not a quitter. People with her level of persistence attract the support they need to make it through bad timesÑ people want to cheer her on. Support was consistent and meaningful from her loving husband Dick, their children, friends, and what she calls her "comforter friend" from the spirit world. A dark challenge or two came alongÑ they always do when people struggle toward the light. You will read how Sharon found a way to let the hard times teach her a positive lesson. Best of allÑSharon has been cancer free for 20 years.
The last section of The MammySlammy lists resources on breast cancer awareness and treatment and has places to record memories and photos from MammySlammy events you arrange and attend.
Sharon has also launched the MammySlammy Web site...It is still under development, but now has book ordering information and a feedback feature so you can write to Sharon. Later on, it will include stories of people who attended Mammy Slammy events, schedules of Mammy Slammy events and Sharon Marler appearances, stories of breast cancer battles, and links to more information.
Ladies, The MammySlammy: Mammograms with Courage and Humor by Sharon Marler is a perfect gift for your girlfriends, moms, daughters, and doctors. GuysÑ give one to your wife or sweetie.

Sharon Marler works in the education program at the Idaho Juvenile Corrections Center in St. Anthony. She is a member and past officer of the Idaho-Oregon-Utah Division of International Association of Administrative Professionals. Her husband, Dick Marler, writes MarlerÕs Musings and does nature photography for the Island Park News.

What a fun way to approach the dreaded mammogram! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It helps to aleviate the anxiety of mammography without ever making light of the seriousness of breast cancer.