By Elizabeth Whittington

Latina pop singer/songwriter Soraya died of breast cancer at age 37 after a recurrence earlier this year. Soraya had a family history of breast cancer and lost her mother, maternal aunt and grandmother to the disease. The Colombian-born singer became an advocate for breast cancer awareness as a spokeswoman for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1999, a year before she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Winner of a Latin Grammy for her 2003 album, Soraya was one of the first artists to write and record in both English and Spanish.

Earl Woods, father of golf phenom Tiger Woods, died in May from metastatic prostate cancer at age 74. Originally diagnosed in 1998 and treated with radiation therapy, Woods had a recurrence in 2004. Tiger has credited his dad as being the driving force behind his golf success, which includes more than 40 career wins, including four Masters.

The U.S. Postal Service breast cancer stamp, which was first issued in 1998, has raised more than $50 million for breast cancer research, with nearly 700,000 stamps sold. The stamp sells for 45 cents compared with the 39-cent first-class stamp (6 cents from each stamp goes toward breast cancer research).

June Pointer, 52, died in April of an undisclosed cancer in California with her family. The youngest of the Pointer Sisters, who were known for songs such as “I’m So Excited,” “Jump” and “Neutron Dance,” won three Grammies and several American Music Awards during her singing career.

Prostate cancer survivor and golf legend, Arnold Palmer donated $2 million to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute for research focused on cancer prevention. The donation also created the Arnold Palmer Endowed Chair in Cancer Prevention to help fund research.

Holland America Line is taking the fight against breast cancer to the high seas with On Deck for the Cure, a fundraising walk on each cruise that will raise a minimum of $250,000 annually for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Guests and crew are invited to donate $15 to participate in the 5K walk—up to 12 laps around the ship’s deck.