Summer Holt Miller (on left) and Kellie Pickler (on right).
Courtesy: Russ Harrington
Kellie Pickler has stood beside her best friend—a childhood friend who Pickler refers to as her “sister”—Summer Holt Miller throughout her breast cancer prognosis and subsequent treatment since receiving word of the diagnosis in June of this year, but yesterday in Nashville, Tenn., the inseparable duo took their stance against cancer one step further when they both buzzed their hair to bring awareness to the importance of early detection. As revealed on ABC’s Good Morning America exclusively, Pickler and Miller shared their story as Miller was just 36 years old when she received word of her diagnosis.
“Cancer does not discriminate,” an emphatic Pickler shared with viewers. “If this compels even one person to change their mentality toward waiting until the age of 40 for their mammogram, then it will be worth it,” Miller echoed.
Miller, aware of her family’s history of breast cancer, had always been super cautious with her self-examinations, but had the mother of two not been diligent with her doctor and requested a mammogram, the tumor detected in its early stage could have turned fatal. Miller recently underwent a double mastectomy and will begin chemotherapy this Thursday.
L to R: Kellie Pickler buzzes her hair to support friend Summer Holt Miller (on right).
Courtesy: Russ Harrington
A behind-the-scenes video capturing the ladies’ cuts and truthful candor about Miller’s diagnosis and treatment will be shared on Athena® Water’s website, www.athenawater.com, and Athena® will make a monetary donation to the American Cancer Society in Miller’s honor. Athena® will contribute a minimum of $2 million to support breast cancer awareness, care, education and research by 2014.
“So many people feel helpless when a loved one is diagnosed with breast cancer,” says Athena® CEO Dillon Schickli. “Athena gives everyone the chance to make a difference, with every bottle of water, 365 days of the year.” For every bottle of water purchased, a portion of the proceeds benefits breast cancer awareness.
To read more about Miller’s journey, visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/summermiller/journal.
About Kellie Pickler
Kellie Pickler grew up immersed in country music in the small town of Albemarle, North Carolina with the words of Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton shaping her musical footing. At the age of 19 she gained fame as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol where it was evident to all that she was a star. In 2006, she signed to 19 Recordings and BNA Records to release her debut, Small Town Girl, which has gone on to sell over 800,000 copies worldwide and produce three singles, “Red High Heels,” “I Wonder,” and “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind.” In 2008, Pickler released her self-titled sophomore record featuring country radio hits “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful,” “Best Days of Your Life” (co-written with Taylor Swift and her first Top 10), and “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You.” Having established herself as not only a powerful vocalist but also a songwriter, Pickler recently wrapped up in the studio with famed producer Frank Liddell (known for his work with Miranda Lambert) and Luke Wooten to record her January 24, 2012 release, 100 Proof. Pickler has co-written six of the 11 tracks on the album with the lead single, “Tough,” serving as the lead single. Visit www.kelliepickler.com for more information and follow Pickler on Twitter and Facebook at @kelliepickler.
About Athena® Water
Athena® is named for the mythical Greek goddess who symbolizes purity, wisdom and strength. These qualities describe everyone who fights cancer; especially breast cancer survivor Trish May. May’s treatment and recovery inspired an idea based on the vision that one person can make a difference with a single bottle of pure water. DS Waters of America, Inc. purchased the Athena brand last year and will continue to support the mission started by May.
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