The month of October is known for many things. The fall leaves, apple cider donuts, hay rides, Halloween, and pink. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it seems like everywhere you look you are flooded with the color pink. However, what is this really doing for cancer?
Breast Cancer is such an important cause to raise awareness for, but what are you actually doing to help those with cancer? When you put on a pink shirt, a pink ribbon, or a pink jersey, are you doing anything more than just showing support?
I recently lost someone near to my heart from Pancreatic Cancer. When I see all the pink I feel humbled that people are standing up to such a terrible disease, I truly do. However, it bothers me in the slightest when that's all that people do. It is raising awareness, but the support ends there. Here is a list of things you can do to truly help those suffering from cancer.
1. Participate in a walk of your choice.
Name a type of cancer, and I can bet there is a walk in your area that raises money for it. Participating in walks is an extremely easy way to give back to cancer research, and they can also be a lot of fun. Make a team full of friends, family, and loved ones and walk for those who cannot. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here is where you can find those in your area.
2. Get involved with Relay For Life.
Relay for Life is one of the best ways to fight against cancer. First of all, it is not specific on which cancer you are funding. The money is sent to the American Cancer Society, a charitable organization that distributes funds to all types of cancer. The day is packed with fun things to do, and it is a great bonding experience with everyone involved. Here is a link with the Relay events in your area.
3. Donate.
As simple as this sounds, it is extremely important. If you see a jar for donations, donate! If you see your friend is participating in an event, donate! All you have to do is go to the American Cancer Society website or other non-profit organizations and donate with the click of a button. It's that simple.
4. Be there for the people in your life suffering from the disease.
If there is one thing I learned when I lost my Grammy, it is that showing support to the person with cancer means more than just donating a couple dollars. Visit while they're in the hospital, stop by their house with a cup of tea, or just give them a phone call. It might be uncomfortable for you, but the love and support you give them means the world to them.
5. Buy products from companies that give back to cancer.
Love Your Melon and other websites give money and raise awareness for this disease. Love Your Melon, for example, give hats to children battling pediatric cancer, as well as supporting non-profits who lead the fight against pediatric cancer. Other smaller non-profits, like Bennet Brother's Balm, give all the proceeds to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. These two brothers, who I know personally, make lip balms because their friend was diagnosed with cancer. They wanted to give back and also create a product that could help their friend. Come on, look how cute they are!
Even though acknowledgment of this disease is extremely important, there's a lot more you can do than just wear pink. Wear pink for the month of October, as well as give back! There's a lot of work that needs to go into curing cancer, and you can help start it.
