We are thrilled that our shoulder device, the Rotater, is helping breast cancer survivors. We met Jane and A.J. Ali in Las Vegas this past September. Jane and A.J. are committed supporters of breast cancer awareness with a number of projects that are involved in this effort.

During the month of October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), Jane and A.J. traveled across the country via tour bus to promote this cause. To learn more, go to Survivor Celebration. They are humble, committed and dedicated. Meeting them was pivotal in our development of the “Pink Rotater” which allows us to give something to help breast cancer awareness.

Jane tests the Pink Rotater

One of the reasons that Jane is so involved in breast cancer awareness is that she is a survivor of breast cancer. After we produced our Pink Rotater, we sent one to her so she could use it and provide us with feedback. The following is her response:

The Rotater is awesome, it really stretches out my shoulder.

I met you guys at the PGA Las Vegas show and was very impressed by how committed you were. As a breast cancer survivor who has had surgery to remove lymph nodes it really helps my range of motion.

I love the pink color! Thank you for creating something so simple to use but so very effective.

There are a lot of exercises my doctor told me to do but his one works the best. Thank you for creating something breast cancer survivors can use to help with our rehabilitation after surgery.

Jane Ali

2 year breast cancer survivor
Co-Founder of Marathon of Miracles Foundation
www.survivorcelebration.com

Lots of interest in the Rotater

Upon the introduction of our device, we received a tremendous response from physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, occupational therapists and athletic trainers. Although our product was not initially intended for athletes, we have received an overwhelming reception from them. They understand how the Rotater can help them stretch and condition their shoulders. The sports that are most often mentioned are:

• baseball / softball
• swimming
• golf
• volleyball
• tennis
• track and field (throwing events)

A surprise

Another surprising market presented itself to us at the APTA meeting in Denver. We were approached by a registered nurse who expressed an interest in using the Rotater with her breast cancer rehabilitation patients. She explained to us that shoulder problems were very common among breast cancer patients.

After returning from Denver, we began to do some research on breast cancer rehabilitation and discovered that she is 100% correct. Shoulder impairments are very common problems that affect many breast cancer patients following treatment.

Our commitment

The revelation that the Rotater could help breast cancer patients led us to make an ongoing commitment to breast cancer research and breast cancer rehabilitation awareness.

While exhibiting at the fall PGA expo in Las Vegas, we ran into Jane Ali, a breast cancer survivor who is one of the principal people involved with Survivor Celebration. Jane expressed an interest in working with us and wanted to know how soon we could prepare.

We started immediately. After returning home, we met with our manufacturer and told them of our desire to produce a pink Rotater. We have also developed new packaging for these new pink Rotaters. Ten percent (10%) of all revenues generated by our pink Rotaters will be donated to breast cancer research!

This will not be a one-time thing. This will not be just for the month of October (breast cancer awareness month). This will be an ongoing promotion and commitment to create an awareness not just of breast cancer, but also an awareness of breast cancer rehabilitation.

“STRETCH SHOULDERS TO STRETCH LIVES”

Our slogan will be, “stretch shoulder to stretch lives”. So, whether you are stretching your shoulder to regain mobility and increase your range of motion or stretching your shoulder to warm-up prior to a sporting event, you will be stretching the lives of others with your purchase of a pink Rotater.

Consult a heath care professional

Breast cancer patients should consult their physician, physical therapist or occupational therapist before starting any exercise program. Ask them to go to our web site ( www.therotater.com ) and find out how the Rotater can benefit you.

The Rotater is designed to allow you to passively self-stretch you shoulder to increase mobility. Accessories for the Rotater will be available soon, to help you increase the strength of your shoulder.

Because breast cancer patients lose not only mobility, but strength as well, we will be packaging the strengthening accessories with the pink Rotaters at no additional charge. We want to give them every advantage possible to help expedite their rehabilitation and recovery.

It’s not that men don’t care, we just don’t realize how prevalent this disease is until it strikes close to home. But, breast cancer does strike nearly 1 out every 7 women and although less frequently, breast cancer can also be diagnosed in men.

The cold slap of reality

I too, was one of these men who didn’t really give it much thought until recently. My sister just completed her last radiation treatment about three weeks ago. My awareness has been heightened because I have a wife, a daughter, two more sisters, a stepsister, a momma, and a step-momma that I love and care about. And there are countless others: sister-in-laws, nieces, cousins and friends, who could be affected each day.

For those affected, every month is Breast Cancer Awareness month

I have come to understand that for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, every month is breast cancer awareness month. For these women:

• every time that she goes for a mamogram
• every time she checks herself for a lump
• every time she sees a pink ribbon
• every time a friend is diagnosed with breast cancer
• every time that she watches a television program about breast cancer
• every time she flips through a magazine and reads an article about breast cancer

…she is aware of breast cancer and it’s devastating affects. Yet, most men see the same pink ribbons and television shows and say to themselves, “That’s just for women and it doesn’t affect me”. Until it does strike someone they love.

Everyone is affected by Breast Cancer

You are either a woman or you love one, so let’s all be more conscious of breast cancer everyday – not just in October.

Breast cancer patients need shoulder rehabilitation

This nurse went on to explain to us that when a woman goes through breast cancer treatment, there are a number of procedures that can require her to have her shoulder immobilized for an extended period of time. This lack of movement can result in adhesive capsulitis or “frozen shoulder” – a term used to indicate a loss of the range of motion in the shoulder joint. Please check out the following sources:

• www.medicinenet.com/frozen_shoulder/article.htm
• www.susanlovemd.com/breastcancer/content.asp?L2=5&L3=2&SID=199
• www.healthsearches.org/Categories_of_Q&A/Q&A_for_Survivors/1120.php

How can the Rotater guys get involved?

We began doing research into the issue and realized that there was a need for the Rotater among breast cancer survivors. About the same time, I learned that one of my aunts had discovered that she has breast cancer and Scott found out that one of his sisters has breast cancer.

The “Pink Rotater” plan

Motivated by this information, Scott and I developed our “Pink Rotater” plan. Basically, this is the idea – we will manufacture a Rotater that is pink and has a distinct product number ( for tracking purposes ). Every time someone orders this pink Rotater, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to one of the breast cancer awareness/research charities. We will be clear as to the exact amount that will be donated once all the details are worked out. Stay tuned – an announcement will be posted here in the next couple of days.

The Law of Attraction leads us to Jane Ali and Survivor Celebration

We have just returned from Las Vegas where we had been prompted to go the PGA Expo and demonstrate how the Rotater could help golfers increase their shoulder flexibility which can result in more power and greater striking distances.

We received a huge response, especially from the PGA teaching pros that came by and tried out the Rotater. Many indicated that they would contact us later to purchase more or that they would send their clients to our web site. One professional long drive champion was especially enthusiastic about his Rotater ( we will reveal more at a later time ).

While in Vegas, we met Jane Ali of eclipse sports who is involved in Survivor Celebration . Jane is a breast cancer survivor with a passion for helping others overcome this devastating illness. We explained our idea to Jane and then demonstrated the Rotater to her. Being a breast cancer survivor, she immediately recognized the need that breast cancer patients have for the Rotater.

We have committed to making this project happen and we are trying to have everything in place so that when the Survivor Celebration Tour begins on Sept. 23^rd, we will be ready.

Stay tuned for updates.

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