I had the opportunity to interview breast cancer survivor and 1968 Olympic gold medalist, figure skating champion Peggy Fleming. Peggy will be co-hosting 'Frosted Pink,' a landmark television event that will feature a dynamic mix of music, figure skating and Hollywood stars to empower women, raise awareness of women's cancers, and inspire action. It is a mission so powerful that four of America's leading cancer advocacy organizations – the National Breast Cancer Coalition, the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance – have aligned with 'Frosted Pink' in a united effort to broadast the message to millions who are touched by these diseases.

Kelly: Hi, Peggy. AOL just launched a new breast cancer blog
called United for Pink. I'm so happy to get the chance to talk
to you.

Peggy: Thank you.

Kelly: This 'Frosted Pink' event sounds really exciting.

Peggy: They say the venue is really interesting. It's in an old
airplane hangar. That's a new one for me.

Kelly: So, you're hosting the event?

Peggy: Yes, with Sharon Osbourne.

Kelly: Have you worked with her before?

Peggy: No, but I'm a big fan of hers. I love her attitude and
she's so fun, real positive. I think we'll have a lot of fun
and get our message out to women, and the awareness of early
detection and all these cancers that affect women.

Kelly: You were diagnosed with breast cancer on the 30th
anniversary of your Olypmic victory.

Peggy: Right, nine years ago. I've been doing great since, and I
make sure that I make all of my other appointments, as well.

Kelly: What was your first thought when you found out the news?

Peggy: I think you are pretty shocked. It's huge news. It's like
someone just takes the rug out from underneath you. But after you
get over the initial shock, then you just hunker down and really
do what you have to do.

'Frosted Pink,' presented by sanofi-aventis and Wachovia, will air nationally on ESPN on ABC at 4:00PM this Sunday, October 14. The show will re-air on The Style Network on Monday, October 22 at 8:00PM. Go to www.frostedpink.org for more information.

In part one of my long interview with Marisa Acocella Marchetto (on the Comics Alliance site), the Cancer Vixen author waxes prosaic about the world of cartooning, her influences, and looking for the perfect actor to play her husband Silvano opposite Cate Blanchett in the silver screen adaptation of her bestselling non-fiction graphic novel. In this closing part, Marisa shares what she's learned about breast cancer, self-esteem and the abominable, deadly state of health care in America...

United For Pink: Just for the record, how's your health these days?

Marisa: Perfect, but I gotta stop drinking red wine. That's hard!

UFP: I know you've been asked this before, but for those who haven't read your story, why a first-person graphic novel about breast cancer?

Marisa: The creative impulse is a life force. I'd rather focus on birthing a book. I needed a reason to go on besides getting married and sticking around for my loved ones.

UFP: While reviewing Cancer Vixen once more before the interview, on page 94, you remind readers about the high mortality rates among breast cancer patients who have no health insurance, not an unusual problem at all, especially for creative professionals like you. How do you feel about the state of health care in America?

Marisa: It sucks and may our next President solve the biggest problem in the country, that we as a nation do not take care of our own, and our own health. We'd rather have lower taxes than a lower rate of people dying from cancer.

It is a crime. It is immoral.

UFP: I was amazed to read in a New York Times piece about you that one of your previous doctors encouraged you not to joke around about breast cancer, as if drawing from your personal experience was disrespectful in some way. Is that a shared opinion among practitioners of conventional medicine?

Marisa: That was the opinion of a quack. I got a ton of e-mails about that doctor, and one woman who wrote was dying because he misdiagnosed her.

Meet Lynn Fitz. She's heading off to the AVON Walk for Breast Cancer with her team 'Feel Your Boobies.'

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are participating in the Avon Walk this year:

I am a 43 year old military wife blessed with good health. Two years ago, my sister and I did the 2005 SF Walk which was such an eye opening and life changing event for us, that we pledged to each other that we would try and do a walk every year to help raise money and awareness. We did LA Beaches in 2006. Our own family has been touched by several forms of cancer, including breast cancer, and walking is our small way of trying to help.

'Feel Your Boobies' is comprised of 2 walkers from the DC area, 2 crew members from the DC area and 2 walkers from California. How do you communicate and encourage your team along the way?

Mostly our team communicates through email. I'll send out positive emails to encourage our team along the way with their fundraising and training. Every month I also send out not only to the team members, but to everyone on my fundraising list an update on how the team is doing and how training is coming along.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced so far as you prepare for the race?

So far the biggest challenge (unfortunately) has been fundraising. The first 2 years, it seemed very easy. This year I think everyone is tightening their belts. With the team being spread apart as we are, we've not been able to do team group fundraising events, but, I'm confident we'll hit our goals.

What are you most looking forward to during the Avon Walk this year?

I can't really put a finger on why, I'm looking forward to Opening Ceremonies. I find the Opening Ceremonies heartfelt and moving. It has such an impact on us to see such a large group of people (in pink!!) come together for such a good cause. Also, I'm looking forward to seeing the team members from California. =)

How were you diagnosed? Breast self-exam

Do you know what stage of your breast cancer at the time of diagnosis? Stage II

When you were diagnosed, did you believe you had the opportunity to receive good medical care? Yes

Were there obstacles gaining access to medical care? No

Do you know family or friends with breast cancer? No

Did you tell family or friends, or did you keep your breast cancer diagnosis a secret? I told everybody, family, friends, colleagues and neighbors.

How did they react? Shocked, lost for words, some tried to comfort me and others narrated stories of other who survived.

How do you feel about participating in the Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer and the Avon Foundation event in NYC? I will do anything to make a difference in people's lives and to give others hope and courage.

Do you have any message for others who are facing breast cancer? We only live once. Go forth and do your best to receive treatment so that you can live a more meaningful life because it is like getting another chance to live again and this time it is even more worthwhile.