Pink for a purpose
This month, our community comes together in support of the cure
More than 3 million people living in the United States are survivors of breast cancer. Today – the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month- we celebrate those who have persevered through the disease and we extend an empathetic hand to those fighting it.
Most importantly, we remember that we as a community are battling breast cancer. Shrouded in symbolic pink, we push back against a disease that has caused so many families pain and cut so many lives too short.
Everyone has been impacted by breast cancer in one way or another – whether it is the diagnosis of a loved one, a friend, a neighbor, a coworker, etc.
We find strength in the fact that, despite the heartbreak and struggle, our resolve has not been shaken. Our vigor now burns stronger. The fight to find a cure continues.
As the leaves begin changing colors during October, Central Michigan University’s campus will be flooded with pink and decorated with awareness ribbons, posters and sidewalk chalk as a constant reminder of that sentiment.
In between the typically jam-packed fall agenda of school, work, social life and Halloween festivities, we must stay mindful of a cause that transcends the normal day-to-day bustle. There are plenty of ways to a play a role in Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Monetary donation to reputable charities is one of the easiest and most common ways to contribute. The American Cancer Society, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation are among the many organizations that have made the fundraising of breast cancer research their business.
Although we urge our community to support the cause, we caution them not to do so blindly. As our entire nation paints itself pink, we face the sad reality that not everyone does it for the right reasons.
Donators should make certain they know where their money is going, how the money will be spent and if any of it will be cut by the charity foundation for a profit.
The famous pink ribbon has been plastered on everything from food products to t-shirts. However, just because an item sports the logo does not necessarily mean any of your money will go to cancer research, or even that the company endorses the cause. Beware of greedy corporations cashing in by trying to pull at the heartstrings of customers.
Besides digging into pockets, getting involved is as easy as keeping your calendar open for breast cancer awareness events and activities.
CMU’s Colleges Against Cancer will host Pink Week from Oct. 6 to 9 in the University Center, where students can eat candy, socialize and engage in fun activities. Check their Facebook page for more information about this event and others throughout the month. Also read Central Michigan Life for news of upcoming breast cancer awareness events.
We can wear all the pink apparel we please, pin as many ribbons to our backpacks as we desire and print as many pink papers as we want, but we must remember the true spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month: coming to together as a community in support of a cure.
