A heartbreaking number of women fight the horrific battle of breast cancer each and every day. While women all around the world are in their own fight, it is up to us to show endless and ongoing support.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the entire month of October and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and help fight for a cure.
Are you ready to fight for a cure? Here’s how YOU can help.
Donate. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is a great place to donate. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, annual grants are awarded to scientists. These grants allow scientists “to pursue groundbreaking research leading to new treatments, new methods of prevention and new insights into breast cancer.” No donation is too small and every donation makes a difference.
Buy Stuff. A multitude of corporate companies fight for a cure by developing programs and products that get customers and communities involved in raising awareness and funds for breast cancer. During October, by simply buying the things you might usually purchase, you can greatly impact and support breast cancer. According to the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, corporate partners commit to donating a minimum of $10,000 annually. Just last year, over $28 million was donated for lifesaving research. Some of the companies supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month include:
- Aveda
- Bloomingdale’s
- Clinique
- Coach
- Cuisinart
- Delta
- GAP
- JoAnn Fabrics
- Lands’ End
- Macy’s
- Papyrus
- Smashbox
- Ulta
- Wilson
- Ticketmaster
For more information about how companies help specifically or for a full list of the Corporate Companies, visit any of the Breast Cancer Foundation websites and search “partners.”
Get Informed. Learn about the disease, the symptoms of it, and personal prevention methods. The National Cancer Institute offers an assessment tool to help estimate a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. This assessment can help you learn about your personal risk and provides a great amount of information on the next steps in helping to educate yourself and others about breast cancer.
Wear the Pink Ribbon. This is such a simple act that creates such a positive sign of support. Wear it loud and wear it proud. Inform and share information with others if asked about it. There are many tutorials online with directions on how to make the ribbon. Make some extras and hand them out to friends and family to wear. What a simple way to show support.
Participate in a Fundraising Event. Throughout the month of October, there are numerous organizations that put on fundraising events. One of the biggest fundraising events is the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. In this race, participants walk or run in a 5K Race for the Cure. This event is fun, interactive and extremely impactful.
To register for the race or learn more, visit http://ww5.komen.org/.
Volunteer. While money is a major component in supporting breast cancer research, giving your time is just as important. There are many charities that depend on volunteers to make an event successful. A good starting point is to visit the American Cancer Society website which will direct you to numerous programs that seek volunteers.
Together, we can Fight for a Cure. Get involved, get educated, and THINK PINK!