BOYCOTT NEW BALANCE! Read my story.

ChristineNYC

My name is Christine, I am a fashion designer, business woman, Mom, and Breast cancer survivor. I created my 5EP < = > brand in early 2004. I had just had my first and only child and four months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I underwent a radical mastectomy and reconstruction, and as I laid in the hospital bed wondering if I was going live or die, I was going to give up my dream to have my own brand and business.  Then I thought if i give up, cancer wins and I lose! So I worked as hard as I could and launched by business. I created and trade marked a logo 5EP < = > for it. During the next few years, I struggled through these hard economic times to grow my business while dealing with my health. In 2008, I took time to do hospice care for my Mom, who was in end stage of Cancer until she passed. During that time, I did my best to keep my business going ( though small ) and maintain my own health. In 2011 I had some health set back and required many mri's, bone scans over a six month period and thankfully I was okay. I was poised to focus on my business, when I discovered that NEW BALANCE was using my Federally Registered trademark without my authorization. I am  fighting a legal battle with New Balance to end their use my intellectual property of the < = > logo on their Minimus product line which arrived in stores in 2011.  The use is not accidental, I was well advertised and marketed within the trade, it is a situation where someone saw what I had created and decided to use it as their own idea, thinking I was too small to do anything.  They claim to be supporters of BREAST Cancer Survivors through their partnership with Susan G Komen, yet they are burying me with huge legal costs and the stress is taking a toll on my health. I have asked them to settle this matter, collaborate, make this situation right for all parties but to no avail. I must stand up for myself, for small business owners, working moms, breast cancer survivors and to express the human side of this experience for my own peace of mind.  I ask for Prayers to not lose hope and to stay strong...because fighting a corporate giant is beyond stressful. I truly know what the word Survivor means. Please consider this when purchasing their products. Tell your friends, family, spread the word.