PRESS RELEASE: Entrepreneur Lends Big Support for Breast Cancer Research (October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month)

Entrepreneur Lends Big Support for Breast Cancer Research (October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month) "It all starts with a little speck ... whether it’s an idea to leave corporate America to follow your passion or concurring breast cancer; it is a daily commitment … risk, courage and maintaining a positive attitude." says entrepreneur, Cathy Martinez of Agave Music Box & Gift Company. Martinez's passion? Create music, create funding, and create relationships to eradicate breast cancer that was affecting her family ... and yours. Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) September 16, 2004 -- The choice to leave the corporate world is as unique as the individual taking the risk to leave. For Phoenix entrepreneur, Cathy Martinez, it was to create an opportunity and venue that would make a difference in people’s lives; to create an environment where she could give back to the community in an important and endearing way. When Cathy Martinez found out her cousin, Sue Grinde, was diagnosed with breast cancer, she felt like the rug had been pulled out from under her. “I was devastated at the thought I might lose my best friend,” Martinez recalls, “but even more than that, I just felt so helpless.” Martinez was in the throes of researching possibilities that would allow her the creative expression she so desired. She had decided to develop web-based business dedicated to tradition and handcrafted gifts, Agave Music Box & Gift Company. Even still, she felt a yearning to do more. “There was still no “giving of me” component that had real possibilities of making a significant difference.” Martinez said. “Distance made it challenging to support my sweet cousin but we made it work with frequent phone calls and emails. Sue and I were on the phone one evening and as Sue shared her fears, I had an ‘ah-ha’ moment. It was as if there was a huge megaphone screaming in my right ear. HELLO! You are missing the obvious! I decided right then to use the new business as a vehicle to help generate breast cancer research funds. The products were to bring joy and to help STOP the suffering. I wanted to make sure this was NOT going to be viewed as another ploy to market some product, therefore I set the bar high; high quality, highly enjoyable, high donation. We have only begun to scratch the surface of possibilities to truly help make a difference.” Agave Music Box & Gift Company is an on-line gift store offering Reuge® Music boxes, musical gifts from MDS Prestige Company, Salisbury Pewter, Bakul™ Designer Baskets, Mexican Pewter, Heritage Irish Crystal, Stephen Pearce Pottery and Fine Jewelry. The site features a “Pink Ribbon” collection of the most beautiful pieces offered on the market today. In October, Agave Music Box & Gift Company will unveil exciting additions to the Pink Ribbon collection. Agave Music Box & Gift Company will donate 10% of the retail price of every purchase made from the Pink Ribbon Collection to the breast cancer or ovarian cancer research foundation of the customer’s choice. When asked if 10% will hurt the company profits, Martinez remarked, “Think about this – 10% is nothing considering the cancer patients and their families have to endure 100% of the suffering. So tell me again why 10% would hurt? Pain is NOT a reason for profit. The retail prices are set by my distinguished vendors, the donation is from Agave Music Box & Gift Company and the reward will be in the cure.” Possible research donation receipients include: Arizona Cancer Center at the University of Arizona, Breast Cancer Action, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and many others. “The fact that Cathy has made breast cancer research her charitable recipient brings tears to my eyes,” Sue stated. “I believe that every contribution helps ensure that my granddaughters won’t have to go through this.” The Agave Music Box & Gift Co. site also offers educational resources, articles and a Pink Ribbon Buddy Reminder. “The buddy reminder is so important,” added Sue, “I was always faithful about getting my yearly mammogram and that is what saved my life. I can’t stress early detection enough with the women I care about.” Sue had two surgeries in April 2003, began chemotherapy in May and underwent radiation treatment from June until September 2003. Sue has been cancer-free for just under a year. For more information or to purchase a gift from the Pink Ribbon Collection, please contact Catherine Martinez at 480-706-4537 or visit the website at www.agavegifts.com