FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2007

ARLINGTON, VA - In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The HealthCentral Network's (www.HealthCentral.com) MyBreastCancerNetwork.com has launched a special feature highlighting and celebrating the voices of its community members, many of whom are recovered breast cancer patients, current patients and family members. The feature, a special breast cancer awareness month package, will promote the unique perspectives and experiences of the individuals who comprise HealthCentral.com's breast cancer site, and further the goals of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, including raising awareness and supporting those affected by breast cancer.

By sharing their stories of setbacks and successes, our breast cancer community breaks down stigma and misconceptions and offers inspiration and empathy to fellow patients and survivors. Through the use of multimedia tools and online journals, MyBreastCancerNetwork.com has become an open forum for candid conversations and vivid representations of those affected by breast cancer.

Keri's Breast Cancer Story is a weekly, reality-based comic strip that chronicles the life of Keri and Doug Haberstroh, young newlyweds fighting breast cancer. Keri's story - from diagnosis at age 25 to her death - is narrated by the actual emails Keri sent to loved ones during the course of her treatment. This intimate portrait of breast cancer highlights Doug's experience as caregiver and loved one, and shows how breast cancer affects the entire family -- husband, spouse, partner, child and parent alike.

Doug explains his motivation for sharing Keri's story:

"We felt (Keri and I) that if we sugar coat our feelings, our dealings, and our life then we're not helping anyone, we're playing the situation off and not facing the problem. If people don't know what Breast Cancer is, what it can do, how it feels, what it tastes like, what it smells like, so on and so on, then we'll never get down to the roots of this disease, and if we don't attack at the roots we are only finding temporary solutions."

Chemo Style is a photo gallery where cancer patients express their "chemo style" and share their experiences with one another, whether it is by wearing wigs and scarves, embracing a bald appearance, or applying henna or temporary head tattoos. The photo gallery and accompanying text challenges preconceived notions of what it means to undergo chemotherapy and shows that living well with breast cancer can be a means of self empowerment.

"For many of us, the scariest part about chemo isn't the nausea or fatigue or pain - it's losing your hair; it's just so public. It really, really helps to see how other women deal with this challenge," explains PJ Hamel, author and breast cancer survivor. "It lets you know that yeah, even though you're going to lose your hair, you'll get through it. And you might even have a few laughs along the way."

Beyond providing individuals a place to connect and share experiences, MyBreastCancerNetwork.com provides users information on everything from diagnosing breast cancer, to the latest news and analysis, to tools that help patients, family members and loved ones manage treatment and recovery.

"Breast cancer is a disease that impacts men, women and children of all ages, whether they're patients, caregivers or friends and family, and their stories can help us all better understand and prevent this disease," said Chris Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer and President of The HealthCentral Network. "Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to honor those affected by this illness and to raise awareness about the disease. The individuals who comprise MyBreastCancerNetwork.com have a powerful voice and a unique perspective from which we can all learn."

About The HealthCentral Network

The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.healthcentral.com) is a new and unique online offering, comprised of over 30 general health and highly specific condition and wellness web properties, each committed to offering a voice in everyday and personal language people can understand and connect with at critical points in their lives. Each site provides timely, interactive, in-depth and trusted medical information (from Harvard Health among others), and connections to leading experts and thousands of people who share their related experiences and inspiration.

The HealthCentral Network recently launched personal health tools including the most comprehensive web solution for caregivers managing their communities of friends and families (www.carecentral.com). The company also produces the nationally syndicated television show, "Medical Breakthroughs with Dr. Dean Edell," and has a library of nearly 1,000 short-form, condition-specific videos throughout its network.

The HealthCentral Network was acquired in 2005 by Polaris Ventures, Sequoia Capital, The Carlyle Group and Allen & Company, and has built a management team that combines decades of experience in interactive media and medical, science and news journalism. The company received top recognition from The International Health and Medical Media Awards with a 2006 FREDDIE Award for MyDiabetesCentral.com and the Health Care Standard of Excellence WebAward from the Web Marketing Association.