Going Pink

Today is the first day of October and the start of Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Month. How will you be wearing your pink this month?

Some statistics show that 1 out of every 8 women get breast cancer, and it’s a fact that most of us have come to know and accept. We either know someone who has had it or heard of a friend’s friend who had it. What I find absolutely amazing is how much we can all support each other, emotionally and physically. If you’re interested in helping out your “girls” (pun intended) there are so many things you can do to help raise awareness.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

First off, you know those old bras that you have lying around that don’t fit you anymore, no matter how many times you tell yourself that it will fit one day? Don’t hoard them, recycle them! There are charities focusing on recycling bras in the US and Canada, who donate these donated bras to women who can’t afford them. One of my favorite recycling bra companies are The Bra Recyclers (formally known as Bosom Buddies). They are based in Arizona and specialize in textile recycling, but they have lots of locations where you can drop off your once-loved bras. (On a more self-interested note, finding a new home for your once ill-fitting bras now leaves you more space for some pretty new lingerie for Fall. I personally will take any excuse to buy something new and shiny (or lacy!).

Breast Cancer Walk

Another way to show support and help out your girlies is to raise money. Nowadays there are so many different charities and ways to get involved that almost everyone knows someone who is organizing or participating in a run, walk, marathon or other event. If you feel like making a difference and being active, you can find out when and where your local Breast Cancer marathon runs or bike rides are and sign up. If you don’t feel like actually moving and would rather cheer from the sidelines, why not help donate money to people who you know are joining those events and encouraging others to do so. Come on, I’m pretty sure you have at least ONE friend/colleague who’s doing one of these runs/walks/marathons this year! Show them how supportive you can be!

Breast Cancer Macarons

There are also all those bake sales that you see on a weekly basis. How could you not help support those goodies…I mean, women! I am definitely not one to turn down a homemade triple chocolate brownie… and all in the name of charity! Can you BE a better person? I mean, you’re eating delicious treats and helping out the world. Even if you don’t have a lot of money, I’m sure you can scrounge up that change underneath your couch or forgo that Starbuck’s latte for one morning. Or, even help out by manning a table or baking something yourself.

Lastly, sometimes the best things in life are free. A hug doesn’t cost any money; so make sure to give out LOTS of them! Breast cancer survivors are all around, and you may hear them tell tales of their challenges. Others will talk about those they loved and lost in the battle. Always remember those that haven’t been as fortunate; remember the full life they lived and the impact they made on your life. If you have a friend in treatment, make sure to be their supporting them emotionally. Call them just to chat and ask how they’re doing. If you want to be fancy, show up with a large handful of blown up balloons in random and funny shapes (I’m talking Santa Claus, a unicorn, a big hamburger, a dog, etc…). That’ll be sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.

Boob Balloons

If you’re the one in treatment, or if you recently conquered cancer yourself, just remember that you’re not alone. There is always someone out there who cares about you and loves you. There are many support groups, locally and online, with others who are looking for the same support and love as you are. Help each other!

And, if while you’re helping out you want to be fashionable, try wearing pink to share the warm glow.

Stop talking about making a change and BE the change! It’s never too late to find your own way to express your support for the cause.