During a recent visit to Caribou, I thought of my baby sister, Amy – not because she likes coffee (I actually don’t even know if she drinks the divine morning liquid), but because she has breasts and her name is Amy.

Right inside the door, the first thing I noticed was a display of bagged coffee beans called “Amy’s Blend.” It had the telltale pink ribbon on the package so I knew it had something to do with breast cancer awareness. It also is October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

But, I skirted past the display and purchased my pumpkin latte (Yummy! Like I said, it’s October) and went about my day.

But I didn’t forget about Amy’s Blend and I couldn’t stop thinking about my sister and wondering if she’s had a mammogram. Although she’s the baby of the family, she’s 40 now so she should have already had a baseline mammogram. But, like my lack of knowledge about her coffee drinking habits, I haven’t a clue about her breast health.

Then today I got a press release from Caribou explaining who Amy of the coffee blend is and what the company is doing for breast cancer research.

Amy was Amy Erickson, one of Caribou’s original Minnesota roast-masters, and she lost her battle with breast cancer in 1995. The blend is one way Caribou is keeping her legacy alive. At the same time, Caribou is increasing the chances for other women diagnosed with breast cancer – 10 percent of the sales of Amy’s Blend and ancillary products is being donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The following is the press release in its entirety. Give it a read and then call your sister or your mother or a friend and ask them about their breasts. Tell them to get a mammogram if they haven’t already done it. That’s my plan for today.

 Local coffee drinkers will honor the memory of fellow Minnesotan Amy Erickson, one of Caribou Coffee’s original roast-masters, and help raise money to combat breast cancer now through Nov. 2, 2008. A portion of the sales of Amy’s Blend coffee, inspired by Ms. Erickson who succumbed to breast cancer in 1995 at the age of 33, will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.With cumulative donations expected to top $500,000 this month, Caribou Coffee will once again donate 10 percent of the sales of Amy's Blend whole bean coffee and associated merchandise. This year, the company is also introducing an Amy's Blend reloadable gift card through which 1 percent of all purchases made using the card through Oct. 31 will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.Additionally, the company is donating 10 percent of Lite White Berry beverage sales to the cause. Caribou Coffee is guaranteeing a minimum donation of $100,000 this year.“Amy's passion for coffee continues to inspire us, even more than a decade later,” said Chad Trewick, Caribou Coffee Senior Director of Coffee and Tea. “Her dedication to excellence is a daily reminder to our employees that, in her words, our products must always be excellent and never average. Through programs like Amy's Blend, we can not only honor the memory of a vital member of the Caribou Coffee team, but also support the education and prevention of a disease that affects so many.”Trewick continued, “As with all of our coffees, Amy's Blend was developed with care, passion and only the highest-quality beans. Like Amy herself, Amy's Blend is bright-spirited, cheery and combines citrus high notes with a smooth harmonious silkiness. Underneath it all is a subtle yet delightful hint of melon flavor. A lighter roast made up of beans from Africa and the Americas, Amy's Blend is truly a tribute to the legacy and passion of one of Caribou Coffee's visionary pioneers.”Funds raised will get us one step closer to ending breast cancer forever. Visit your nearest Caribou Coffee or go to www.cariboucoffee.com and place your order for Amy's Blend.