I’ve sat on this post for a while (like years), but feel as though time is of the essence.
October is breast cancer awareness month, as you know unless you live in a cave dwelling.
What started as a way to bring more awareness to this devastating disease has quickly spawned into a media and marketing monsoon…and I don’t dig it.
Those affected by breast cancer don’t need a month to remember. It’s every day for them. Victims of cancer for their lives far more than one month. Family and friends remember and pray year round. For those of us who have lost a loved one, we never forget the devastating toll.
Breast cancer awareness month was founded in 1985. The intention was clear: this month was to remind us to check ourselves, schedule yearly exams, donate to charities for research, etc. Now, it’s the month where you can buy anything pink…..and a TINY portion of what you paid go to research. I mean tiny…..like ameba-sized. The marketing has gotten out of control as company profits skyrocket during October. I will note that there are still a couple of decent companies who DO give, but most use October to increase profit sales.
Why am I being so gut-wrenchingly honest?
I lost my best friend to breast cancer 20 years ago this month.
My mom died on October 29, 1995. Her journey, from diagnosis to death, was less than a year. I was fortunate to have spent my formative years with such a wonderful woman, but I have lived the majority of life without a mom.
I have been running from this month for 2 decades now and it’s about time I face it. So, I have spent some time researching how we can REALLY make a difference.
Below are some ideas to start a new way to help all those affected by breast cancer:
- If you simply can’t help yourself from buying pink stuff, please research the organization to make sure the MAJORITY of profits go to research.
- Donate what you would spend directly to the research center, local care group, or local hospice center.
- Consider donating your time to a local oncology center. Many need volunteers to sit with family members, walk people to appointments, pass out gifts and even teach yoga classes (if you’re qualified).
- If you’ve been waiting for a reason to chop your locks, consider donating them for wigs.
- Help out a family who may be going through treatment right now.
These will get you started on the path to truly helping.
Also, go ahead and make the doctors appointment you’ve been putting off. Better yet, go with your girlfriends and make it a yearly date. Talk with your doctor about the reality of your family history and risks. Perform your monthly exams. Keep the sugar in your diet to a minimum and lift some heavy weights regularly. Talk to your family about detection and prevention. Remember to keep your health a priority.
So, is this month worth it? You bet! But I do think we can do better…