October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time for everyone to pull out their pink ribbons and put on their running shoes. Here in California, there are plenty of opportunities for students to help “save the ta-tas”.
Several run/walks directly fund the many breast cancer research programs. The most notable of these is the Susan G Komen: Race for the Cure foundation. This year the closest of these 5-kilometer run/walks will be held in San Diego on Nov. 1.
Every year the Susan G Komen foundation donates 25 percent of all proceeds to fund breast cancer research. The other 75 percent earned at the races goes back to the community in the form of breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects. For more information please visit www.komen.org. There will also be a Walk for Hope in the City of Hope in Duarte, Ca on October 25 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A number of designers and stores are offering “pink” products for people to buy. Ann Taylor has a few shirts out, Keds is selling pink shoes, yo-plait yogurt has put pink lids on almost all of their food items, and EA sports is putting out a Madden NFL 09 Pink-Edition in Target stores through the month of October. You could also visit www.savethetatas.org for their entire pink clothing line. It’s easy to pick up these products and send a few dollars the researcher’s way.
However, it should be noted that not all products that claim to be “pink” really are. The signature pink ribbon is not a copyrighted symbol and can therefore be put on anything. One example of this is Proctor & Gamble’s pink ribbon-themed Swiffer mop.
Aimee Picchi of the Daily Finance reports that even though the merchandise sports the “early detection saves” slogan, just buying the mop will not contribute to research. Rather, the company will only make the 2-cent donation if the consumer uses a special coupon at purchase. This coupon could only be found in newspapers Sept. 27. Look closely before spending money, and do your research before making “pink” purchases.
Are there any football fans? Did you know that even the NFL is doing its part to promote awareness? All games from Oct. 5-27 are designated as official NFL Breast Cancer Awareness games. NFL teams will be partnering with different organizations throughout the month to help raise money and breast cancer awareness.
During games, coaches and game staff will wear the celebratory pink ribbon/NFL shield pin. At designated games, the home team will be engaging in pre-game and in-stadium activities to raise awareness.
Although the Ventura County Community College District isn’t holding any events in honor of National Breast Cancer awareness month, there are plenty of opportunities for students to get out and help spread the word and raise money.
