If you’re old enough – say, 50ish or beyond – you probably remember a time when women who had breast cancer were very “hush hush” about their illness and treatment. People would whisper about this friend or that family member having cancer, but speaking about it openly simply wasn’t done. Thank goodness those days have passed, and empowered women (and men) who have been impacted by breast cancer are speaking out and raising both awareness and money to fight the disease.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women (lung cancer is first). Every year, almost 40,000 women die from the disease. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is celebrating 25 years of bringing attention to this all-too-common illness, and throughout the month of October you can expect to see lots of pink ribbons (and even pink-streaked hair!) everywhere you go.
If you’re so inclined, you can raise money to fight breast cancer using your feet by signing up for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer (www.avonwalk.org) or the Susan G. Komen 3-day for the Cure® (www.the3day.org). Both events involve walking fairly long distances (39 and 60 miles respectively) over two or three days and getting pledges for your effort from family and friends. Participants can trek as individuals or form teams to increase motivation and add to the fun factor. If you can’t walk yourself, ask around and you’ll likely find someone you can sponsor who is participating in one of these national walks (they’re both held in multiple locations around the country). Many communities also host shorter, local fundraising walks to raise money for breast cancer. Check your local paper to see what might be happening in your area.
Depending on your specialty (or perhaps if you have a staff member who has experienced breast cancer) you might enjoy investing in some special promotional items this year. Medical Arts Press® has many pink-ribbon logo office supply items from which to choose.
For both staff and patients, check out www.nbcamproducts.com to find pink ribbon logo tee-shirts, tote bags, water bottles and much more. A portion of each sale goes toward breast cancer education. Another site with an abundance of pink is www.shopkomen.com, where you can find educational materials in addition to unique wearable and gift items (they even have something for your dog).
If you’d like to inspire your staff to do something this October to help raise awareness about or money for breast cancer, take a quick break and gather everyone around the computer screen. Click on www.pinkglovedance.com. Scroll down and watch one of the Pink Glove Dance videos that have become a national sensation. Be sure to have the tissue box handy – you’ll need it.