Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month…
I’m taking a break from our regularly scheduled programming on here to get a little personal…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Like any survivor, I have mixed feelings about what the media has turned this month into. Instead of focusing on research and action needed, a lot of brands capitalize on the opportunity to boost sales and leverage a tie with Breast Cancer, launch special “pink” products and turn the meaning of the month into nothing more than a PR tactic. Similar to greenwashing, “pinkwashing” makes it extremely difficult to identify the organizations that are really committed to the cause and helping in the fight against breast cancer.
So, this October, I thought I’d take the time to highlight some of my favorite non-profits, in case anyone is looking for a charitable organization to get behind:
The Breasties – a nonprofit organization that supports young women affected by breast and reproductive cancers throughout their diagnoses and high-risk journeys. Founded by four young women in their 20’s who were going through similar diagnoses, they found each other through Instagram and today the Breasties host free wellness retreats and events in different cities as well as connect women through social media -- to spread the message that whatever you are going through, you are not alone.
Bright Pink – a Chicago-based nonprofit, Bright Pink focuses on health rather than cancer and inspires women to make behavior changes that can greatly improve their lives. Through innovative digital tools, Bright Pink is making important strides to engage women in educational experiences to help them understand their risk and personalize their prevention plan.
Culinary Care – Founded in 2013 by Courtney White, Culinary Care helps cancer patients live happier and healthier lives through food.
As part of this mission they deliver free, restaurant-prepared meals to cancer patients and their families. Her vision is a world where everyone fighting cancer receives the nutritional and emotional support they need to survive.
The American Cancer Society – ACS is on a mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. As a nonprofit, they do more than breakthrough research. They also offer free rides to chemo, a live 24/7 helpline, and free lodging near hospitals for people dealing with every type of cancer. From research to education, prevention to diagnosis, they provide support to everyone impacted by cancer.
Cycle for Survival - Cycle for Survival is the movement to beat rare cancers. Even though rare cancers account for about half of all cancer diagnoses when combined, research on many rare cancers is drastically underfunded, often leaving patients with limited or no treatment options. Cycle for Survival partners with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center—the world’s oldest and largest private cancer center—to donate 100% of all money raised directly to lifesaving rare cancer research.
As some of you reading may know, I was actually diagnosed in October 2017. Being diagnosed with cancer at any time is horrible but, I can say some experience, it’s especially hard when you’re bombarded with pink ribbons everywhere you turn. I’ve always been aware of breast cancer and I would venture to say more people are aware too - but what we really need is action.
So, this October, if you’re feeling generous, please take a closer look at where your dollars are going. There are a lot of amazing nonprofits doing such crucial work in this space and making real change. Take the time to research and gift responsibly. We need it now more than ever.
xoxo, Morgan