Pinktober!

Do you know of the Dalai Lama?  I know that I don’t know who he is.  But my mommy told me that he is a very wise man who once said, “Change only takes place through action."   Well, this my friends, is definitely the call to arms that has motivated millions and millions of women around the world to support Breast Cancer Awareness month.  I know it is my rallying call.  My grandma is a breast cancer survivor and I stand with her in the fight for a cure.

Each year, October is recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness month by most governments, the media and of course, breast cancer survivors. Every October since 1985, the familiar symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness month has been the pink ribbon.  You see them displayed on cars, posters, advertised on TV and magazines and proudly worn by women on their clothing.  

Breast Cancer Awareness month is an initiative to raise awareness of breast cancer and to reduce the disease’ stigma by educating people about its symptoms and treatment options.  Supporters (like me!) hope that greater knowledge will lead to earlier detection of breast cancers, which is associated with higher long-term survival rates and that money raised for breast cancer will produce a reliable and permanent cure.

There are a wide variety of charitable organizations that are involved in breast cancer awareness such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure, National Breast Cancer Coalition and Breast Cancer Action.  While these large organizations do dominate the media, the most practical, day-to-day support organizations are those small, local groups that provide emotional and physical support to those in their area.

So please “think pink” this month.  Support those organizations and programs that help and support those touched by breast cancer.   Help raise the education and awareness about breast cancer.  Help undeserved women received breast cancer screenings and follow-up care through services at clinics and mobile mammography units.  Support breast cancer awareness through fundraising events in your area.  Remember, “early detection is your best protection.”  Wear your pink today!  Woof woof!