Think Pink

Have you been seeing a lot of PINK lately? I know I have been! From magazine cover stories, displays in store windows, news segments, and fundraising walks, pink has been everywhere this month. And it should be. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is a month for everyone to focus on something that infects over 1 million women around the world each year and affects the millions more people who love and care for them. On average, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States every three minutes. It can devastate families but can also make women stronger.


There are a great number of organizations that help fund research and support cancer patients and survivors. The two most well known are Susan G Komen for the Cure which focuses on research, education and support and Avon’s efforts – specifically through the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer – to raise awareness and money for screening, treatment, and support. The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign works to save lives and honor survivors. The Breast Cancer Research Fund provides funding for innovative research techniques while also raising awareness. Breastcancer.org provides support, guidance, and information for women and families facing cancer or those who just want more information. The National Breast Cancer Foundation focuses on education, early detection and supporting patients and their families. A smaller organization, The Young Survivors Coalition, was founded by three young survivors of breast cancer and works with patients, families, the community, research organizations and legislators to increase the quality of life for patients and survival rates for those under 40.


There are a lot of people out there working hard to find a cure for breast cancer, but it is our responsibility to be screened and to make sure that the women we love and care about are being screened for this vicious cancer. And take a minute, whether it’s this month or another month, to support these great organizations.