Why I'm Glad October Is Over | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Why I'm Glad October Is Over

From orange and black to pink.

9
Why I'm Glad October Is Over
Sparkmon and Associates

October -- the month of colored leaves, costumes and candy. When I was younger, October was one of my favorite times of the year. The anticipation of trick-or-treating and seeing who had the best costume excited me. In elementary school, we had Halloween-themed assignments along with decorated doors or classrooms. Orange and black decorations lined the store shelves and neighborhoods. Although I outgrew trick-or-treating, bonfires and haunted trails still made October fun. But that changed last year. October is no longer a fun month because pink stood out much more to me than orange and black.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month was observed when I was younger, I just didn’t notice it or really understand it. We had “spirit days” during October where we wore pink. But instead of focusing on the reason we were having a pink-out day, we were focused on beating other classes by having more participation. Sports teams, including ones I have been a part of, wore pink shoelaces, pink socks and pink shirts throughout the month but did not talk about breast cancer, did not fundraise and did not make donations. People posted pictures with captions like, “On Wednesdays, we wear pink,” to quote the movie "Mean Girls."People still do.

At times it seems like we have forgotten the meaning behind the pink. We “think pink” because we are expected to -- we are “fighting” to find a cure. But are we really? What does having a pink-out day at school accomplish without any fundraising or education? I admit that I have been a part of pink-out days without thinking about what it actually means. I realize that these are generalizations and assumptions. There are groups and organizations that do raise money to support breast cancer awareness. But I think most of us are aware of breast cancer. When will it be time to get past the “lighthearted” message of mammograms prevent cancer? When will it be time to find other research methods? When will it be time to find a cure?

Since my mom’s Stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis last October, my mindset has changed. “Think pink” now puts my stomach into knots. Seeing pink everywhere I look, from commercials to the grocery store to Instagram photos, reminds me of what my family is experiencing.

Please understand that I am not negating the love and support people have poured onto my family. It has truly been a blessing. I realize that people mean well and don’t intend to upset anyone by having pink accessories or school-wide pink-out days. I am probably being defensive and a little dramatic. However, I think we should make more of an effort to remember that although October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is not a holiday or celebration for everyone. For some of us, it’s a month that reminds us that we don’t have a cure and that screening is not enough. For some of us, it’s a month that reminds us that some of our loved ones are still fighting.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1444
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

869
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200046
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20779
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments