The Breast Friends, a group of cancer-crusading grandmothers from rural Saskatchewan, and a Dragons' Den Game Changer, has won big at the Oscars of the cookbook world - The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards - earning the title of best charity cookbook in North America for Breast Wishes, For the Men in Our Lives.
They share the award with Microsoft Corporation for The Microsoft Cookbook, compilation of recipes by Microsoft employees, and fellow Canadians Marie-Josee Morin and Katrine Paradis, who wrote Les Recettes du Kiosque de Limonade.
"For eight years, we have been overwhelmed with the success of our cookbooks and the impact we've been able to make on cancer causes," says Breast Friend member Patti Hack. "But this experience is the icing on the cake."
After the loss of loved ones, the group turned grief into action, creating cookbooks and donating the net profits, and since 2005, has raised nearly $1.4 million for cancer-related causes. Breast Wishes, For the Men in Our Lives, specifically supports prostate cancer. In addition to men-friendly recipes, the book offers vital information about prostate cancer, including statistics, treatment, and recommendations for prevention and early detection.
The Breast Friends see this recognition - they accepted the award in France, Feb. 25 - as another great opportunity to impact the disease that affects one in seven Canadian men and their families.
"When it comes to men's health, women are often the best advocates," says Hack.
The Breast Friends have authored six books, all national bestsellers, featuring tried and true family recipes that reflect the diverse cultures and crops of Saskatchewan. Their latest effort, Breast Friends, Inspire Health, offers 300 great tasting recipes that follow nutritional guidelines for the prevention of disease, and features cancer stories from well known Canadians such as Robert Bateman, W. Brett Wilson and Wendy Mesley.
Before allocating funds, the Breast Friends interview patients and front line workers about greatest needs and funding gaps. They donate to cancer agencies, equipment, research, and patient needs, and help raise awareness about prevention and treatment
