October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, though it certainly doesn’t take a special month to make us aware of breast cancer. Nearly everyone has someone in her life—a mother, sister, friend, or teacher—who has been diagnosed with this terrible disease. However, the month of October provides many opportunities for involvement and support of breast cancer research. So, what can you do to show your support?
1) Attend an Event. There are many events throughout October championing breast cancer research, including two walk/runs. The American Cancer Society is sponsoring a “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk” on Sunday, October 23, beginning at 10:00 AM at COSI. Also on October 23 is the “Step Up for Stefanie” 5k/2 Mile Fun Walk/Run right here at the Ohio Stadium. Registration begins at 8:00 AM, with the 5k starting at 10:00 AM and the Fun Walk/Run beginning at 10:05 AM. You can register online at http://stepupforstefanie.org/.
If pounding the pavement isn’t for you, there are other events throughout October to check out. On Saturday, October 22, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation is putting on a Zumbathon from 9:00-11:00 AM at the Grant Health and Fitness Center downtown. Finally, if you’re 21, Woodlands Tavern in Grandview (about a five-minute drive from campus) is putting on a Hot Pink Happy Hour from 6:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, October 27. 100% of the proceeds from the $5 cover charge will benefit Komen Columbus.
Save the Date: Though it’s not in the month of October, a great annual event that supports breast cancer research is the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The upcoming Race for the Cure is Saturday, May 19th, 2012. You’ll see our HC OSU team there!
2) Buy Some Cute Stuff! During the month of October, companies from Clinique to New Balance have unveiled special edition pink products, with proceeds from sales going to breast cancer research. From blenders to thongs to even cars, October is the time to go for any purchase you’ve been unsure about. You can get some cute new clothes (Forever 21 is among the companies with special products during the month of October) and feel good knowing you are supporting a good cause. Check out some of the coolest products available at http://style.mtv.com/2011/10/17/breast-cancer-awareness/and http://racked.com/archives/2011/10/03/breast-cancer-awareness-month-fashion-support.php.
You can still support breast cancer research without the shopping spree with some awareness promotions at local restaurants. Throughout October, Columbus Donatos Pizza Restaurants will donate a percentage of the proceeds from every large pizza sold to the Stefanie Spielman Fund.Panera Bread offers cranberry Pink Ribbon Bagels as well as Step Up for Stefanie Spielman mugs (that include free coffee refills through the end of the month!) in October, with 10% of the profit from every bagel sold and a portion of the profits from every mug going to the Stefanie Spielman Fund. You can even support breast cancer research at the grocery store if you buy Yoplait yogurts with a pink lid. For every lid code you register online (it only takes a couple minutes, if that), 10 cents is donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.
3) GET TESTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the most important thing you can do, and October is a great time to remind yourself to check up on your girls. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women, starting at age 20, perform monthly breast self-examinations, as well as receive annual clinical breast examinations. This is especially important if you have a history of breast cancer in your family. More than 90% of women whose breast cancer is detected at an early stage will survive, so do it!!!! Here’s a link to an easy explanation of a breast self-exam: http://www.seventeen.com/health/tips/breast-exam-1007. And reminding yourself about your monthly exam doesn’t have to be a drag. In fact, it could end up being the highlight of your month. Thanks to an app created by Rethink Breast Cancer, instead of this:
your monthly reminder could look like this:
Just download the free Your Man Reminder from the iTunes store. So remember, get yourself tested, and REMIND OTHERS TO GET TESTED, TOO. Tell your mom, tell your sister, tell your aunt, tell any woman that you care about.
So this October, let’s all use our time, our money, and most importantly, our hearts and our minds to take a stand against breast cancer, and help bring about the day when October is Breast Cancer Freedom Month.
Picture Sources:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7DIav3PovY0/TK_dQRw87jI/AAAAAAAABh8/Q37kVLB2j_0/s1600/save_the_ta_tas-breast-cancer.jpg
http://style.mtv.com/2011/10/17/breast-cancer-awareness/
http://quinnplasticsurgerycenter.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/monthly-bse-22.jpg
iTunes Store: Your Man Reminder App Page