The month of October is deemed Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a month where people in the United States, and around the world, gather together to help find a cure for breast cancer. There was a lot more media attention centered on Breast Cancer Awareness Month than usual, with many more organizations across the US participating.Beauty stores like ULTA gave out pink ribbons to wear in every shopping bag during the month of October. Additionally, ULTA did a fundraiser for breast cancer research that involved the donation of one dollar to win a bag full of beauty supplies.
What was more surprising was the involvement of the National Football League. The teams wore pink socks and pink gloves to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month on national television. Even the coaches participated with pink hats. Many celebrities donned pink attire at social functions, including singer Kelly Rowland, who wore pink while singing the national anthem at a New York Giants football game. The Giants turned the stadium completely pink to commemorate the night, and included breast cancer survivors on the field in the form of a pink ribbon.
If you missed out on any of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities, don’t worry. There are several organizations that are dedicated year-round to finding a cure for breast cancer. One is Susan G. Komen “For the Cure.” It was founded in 1982 by Komen’s sister, Nancy Brinker. Since its inception, the organization has invested nearly $1.5 billion for the breast cancer awareness movement. All year round, “For the Cure” holds 5K races nationally and internationally to help fundraise and promote a cure for breast cancer. Dates of local races can be found by visiting the website at www.komen.org.
Additionally, the American Cancer Society sponsors “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer,” in which you can start or join a team and walk together, or choose to walk individually. You can also donate to a team or individual walker or become a volunteer. “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” is one of the ways the United States has individually raised awareness of breast cancer. These walks are usually during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but more information on next year’s events can be found by visiting their website at www.makingstrides.acsevents.org.
Carla Giorno is a student at West Chester University. She can be reached at CG633075@wcupa.edu.