Famous Rocker Melissa Etheridge Raises Awareness for Breast Cancer

Celebrity musician Melissa Etheridge has joined forces with Hard Rock Café International to raise breast cancer awareness.


Etheridge was recently featured on "Oprah" singing the title track from her new CD, "I Run For Life" about her recent recovery from breast cancer.


The café and Etheridge have created the Hard Rock's Limited Edition 2005 Breast Cancer Awareness Pin which merges the restaurant's logo with a guitar wrapped up in a pink ribbon.


Proving she's more than a cancer survivor Etheridge also recently teamed up with Ford Motor Company to promote breast cancer prevention and awareness with the company's FordCares Program.


Ford has invited fans to purchase the download of Etheridge's song or the 2005 Breast Cancer Awareness Scarf which she recently worn to the company's luncheon in her honor. You can also hear the song's ring tone and see its wallpaper at melissaetheridge.com and soon can get the cell phone tune. The song is available now in the iTunes Music Store online.


Etheridge's message to all is to learn about the importance of early detection of breast cancer, according to her website, melissaetheridge.com. Because she knew of a history in her family the singer always did monthly breast exams and stayed on top of her health. As a result she was able to catch the disease early which resulted in a successful surgery following chemotherapy.


A poster that Hard Rock produced has Etheridge on the cover with a photo of the pin and the words "With The Support of Melissa Etheridge Our Pin Will Help In The Fight."


The pin is available for $11 at select Hard Rocks, hotels, and casinos and in the company's online rock shop at hardrock.com. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sales of the item will benefit the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation.


Etheridge, 44, recently surprised a college cancer biology class by making an appearance to talk about recovery in Los Angeles, CA. The reactions when the singer greeted the 300 students ranged from gasping to clapping.


For an hour she talked about chemotherapy, performing, and her children.