You care about breasts don't you?

by Ben Cannon | Planet Jackson Hole

1ST ANNUAL BREAST FEST TO RAISE FUNDS, AWARENESS

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-When valley resident Hampton Kew was affected by cancer last year, she decided to get involved in the fight against it.

It was not Kew who had cancer but her cousin, who lost his life to the disease. He left behind two young children and a wife, who is currently battling breast cancer.
“Every day I just learn about more and more young and active people getting cancer,” said Kew. “Obviously we’re doing something to ourselves.”

By that she means people may be exposing themselves to a higher risk of the disease through daily contact with products containing synthetic ingredients.
Kew discovered the Breast Cancer Fund, a group dedicated not to cancer treatment but prevention by identifying and eliminating environmental causes – everyday products, she said, like shampoos, antiperspirant, face cream and nail polish.
“Since World War II we’ve been using over 80,000 synthetic chemicals in stuff people use all the time,” said Kew, a ski rep who also works for a personal products company that only uses mostly natural ingredients.

To help spread the word about the possible dangers of using products linked to higher rates of cancer (if not identified outright as carcinogenic) Kew is planning to participate in Climb Against the Odds, a charity-driven ascent of California’s Mt. Shasta. The annual event will take breast cancer survivors and others touched by the disease up the 14,179-foot peak in June.

Before that expedition, Kew is looking to raise $10,000 for the Breast Cancer Fund. All donations will go to the charity, and Kew will pay for the trip herself.
To help kick off the fundraising, Kew enlisted a handful of her gal pals to help raise money. She and her friends are throwing a party intended to generate awareness and dollars for her cause.

From 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday at Lyndsay McCandless Gallery (130 S. Jackson St.), the group is holding the 1st annual Breast Fest, perhaps the most intriguing party name of the year. Donations will be graciously accepted.
Beer from Snake River Brewing, wine and shots of, ahem, “buttery nipple” should help keep focus on the theme of the night. A silent auction and raffle will feature prizes, including skis from Rossignol and clothing from Powderhorn. A deejay will keep the tunes spinning.

And Kew is already well on her way, with pledges received so far totaling a quarter of her $10,000 goal. To learn more about Kew and her efforts, or to donate, go to www.BreastCancerFund.org.