What You Should Know About Pink October

It’s a well known month that many people know about internationally.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The month where pink becomes the most important color.

Breast cancer survivors, family members, friends, athletes, celebrities, and more come together to show their support for breast cancer awareness.

When I decided to write about Breast Cancer Awareness, I thought it would be easy for me to write about.

I was completely wrong.

The topic is emotionally heartbreaking.

As I research about breast cancer, I’m learning so much.

I didn’t know much about it, because I’ve realized I was ignorant in knowing a disease like that is out there.

Reading any statistics or facts on cancer increases my fear of actually getting cancer.

Maybe this is just a hypochondriac’s (me) perspective.

But I’ve learned much more online than a doctor’s visit.

You won’t get many of the statistics behind breast cancer at your doctor’s office.

Although it’s scary, I’m officially aware on some of the ways to prevent breast cancer.

It can happen to anyone, but being able to catch signs early can make such a HUGE impact.

Facts About Breast Cancer

I didn’t know how many people were affected by this disease, and the facts have truly inspired me to become more active in spreading awareness.

About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

I know I’m not the best with medical terminology, so what’s invasive breast cancer?

Invasive breast cancer occurs when cancer cells from inside the milk ducts or lobules break out into nearby breast tissue.

According to the largest and most-funded breast cancer organization, Susan G. Komen®, in 2017 there will be an estimated 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer among U.S. women.

But breast cancer is not only found in women.

About 2,470 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men this year.

Check out a few of these facts I found about breast cancer in men.

I’m not sure if I’m still being ignorant to the topic, but I refuse to share a number of people expected to die from breast cancer this year.

Sadly, I don’t want to accept it.

CANCER.

It truly does suck!

Susan G. Komen®

Not many know the story behind this popular, well-known foundation.

Today, it’s the largest and most-funded breast cancer organization in the United States.

I remember learning about Susan G. Komen® when I ran their Race For The Cure 5K in Los Angeles.

I always wanted to help raise awareness for a good cause.while also collecting donations as I ran for a cure.

And so I did! I collected donations to run for a cure.

I raised over $250 in two days for the Susan G. Komen® Foundation.

Doesn’t sound like a lot, but it was to me.

I was 20 years old at the time, and I was trying to help make a difference.

I signed up to run with Time Warner Cable Sportsnet (now, Spectrum Sportsnet).

They are the home channel for Los Angeles Lakers, where Jordan Hill and Ryan Kelly played (pictured below).

I ran for Jordan Hill’s mother, those diagnosed with breast cancer, those who died from breast cancer, and breast cancer survivors.

I definitely felt like giving up as I was running.

You see, the 5K marathon course went all around the Dodger Stadium.

The Dodger Stadium is practically on a hill, so the incline was killing me.

But I had no right to complain.

Everyone who has battled cancer has gone through worse!

Including Susan G. Komen.

Susan died from her 3-year battle with breast cancer.

Many facts I learned behind Susan G. Komen could also be found on the main website.

In 1982, her sister, Nancy Brinker, establishes the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Two years later, Nancy is diagnosed with breast cancer.

In 1986, the first Breast Cancer Awareness Month is held in October.

Five years later, The pink ribbon becomes established as a national symbol for breast cancer.

Susan Brinker is still aiming to raise awareness today.

She speaks at events all over the world to share her experience.

Not many are aware how important it is to know the warning signs of breast cancer.

Warning Signs Of Breast Cancer

Again, as I’m reading this, I’m worrying myself more.

But it’s OKAY!

It’s better to detect early if you know the warning signs.

The Susan G. Komen® website tends to be my main source for breast cancer awareness.

You can read more about it here.

It can happen to anyone, but if we’re all educated on the warning signs, then maybe we can help increase the number of breast cancer survivors.

I’m honored to meet any breast cancer survivor.

Their strength won the battle versus cancer.

Many have lost the battle, but it still makes them just as strong!

Here’s A Breast Cancer Survivor…

I don’t know anyone who was diagnosed with breast cancer or died of breast cancer.

Sadly, my family has a history of other types of cancers.

My father had kidney cancer and kicked its ass.

Right now, my uncle is fighting hard for his life against metastatic cancer.

I pray he also survives this battle.

But, to get a better perspective of a breast cancer survivor, I reached out to my co-worker, Megan Scott, who gave me a touching story about her aunt.

She went on an emotional journey with her aunt, and this is what she shared with me:

“Growing up I always have such fond memories of spending time with my Aunt Julie.

Megan, Grandma Marian, Aunt Julie

We would go garage sale shopping and she would buy me buckets of My Little Ponys and let me spend hours with them in the bathtub.

We would go to the movie rental and always rent two movies: 1 scary movie and 1 cartoon movie to watch after so we didn’t have nightmares! Haha

It was always the two of us, and we were super close.

My Mother was sick, she had Lupus, and quite often our outings together was to give my Mom some time to relax and recuperate.

My Aunt was always very protective of me and during my entire childhood, I never really knew how sick my Mother was because of it.

I was 12 when my mother passed away, and even though my older Sister and I had to move 2,000 miles to live with my Father in California, Aunt Julie was still always there.

Always a phone call away when my Dad wasn’t home and my Sister was busy being a teenager.

Always there to help me grow up and become the woman I am today.

She was always there.

When she called me to tell me she had Breast Cancer, I was broken.

I was living overseas at the time and we stayed in touch through Skype.

She waited till I got back from holidays to break the news.

It was horrible.

I couldn’t imagine losing my Aunt Julie.

Even being so far away, we shared a connection that was so deep and meaningful.

She helped me through some of the most difficult times of my life.

It didn’t matter where we were, we stay connected.

And I couldn’t imagine that connection lost.

I booked a flight as soon as I could to Florida, where her and my Grandma lived.

All I have to say is, my Aunt is one of the toughest women I know.

I was by her side during two of her chemo sessions and stayed with her afterwards.

I knew she was not feeling well, but every time I asked how she was doing, she always tried to stay positive and upbeat.

She was losing her hair because of the chemo and had some wigs donated, so we went to the Farmers Market to a special booth where she had them styled.

She wore them for a couple days, but one day she didn’t.

That day I was truly proud.

She didn’t care what people thought about her and her loss of hair anymore, it just felt better and more natural to go free.

That is the spirit of my Aunt Julie, and even during the darkest time of her life, she still embraced that spirit.

It broke my heart to go back to The Netherlands.

We still Skyped almost every week.

She finished her chemotherapy, had her surgery, and then went through radiation.

She said that the radiation was the worst.

Every day she had to go for 6 weeks.

I could only imagine how tough that was.

When she had her final check up, they said the cancer was in remission!

I remember that Skype conversation like it was yesterday.

We were so happy.

Her hair grew back and when it was long enough, she dyed it pink for Breast Cancer Awareness.

And I have to say, she rocked it so well!

I was always proud of my Aunt Julie and her free spirit, but beating this cancer and being even stronger because of it really makes me proud.

I am so lucky to have her in my life.

It’s unbelievable what women have to go through to beat breast cancer.

My heart goes out to anyone and everyone affected by this disease.

Together, we can spread awareness and prevention methods and hopefully, one day we can beat this thing for good!”

Thank you, Megan, for sharing with me your Aunt Julie’s story. She’s definitely a hero in my book!

Here’s advice from Aunt Julie to those battling cancer:

“If I could give anyone advice on coping with cancer, it would be to stay active, daily walks at least, and continue with your regular life as much as possible during treatment but rest when you need to.”

To All Breast Cancer Survivors…

We want you to know that everyone sees you as a hero.

You fought and you won.

You are and have always been beautiful.

We have been moved and inspired by you.

You are not alone.

Please continue sharing your story with everyone.

Continue to help raise awareness, so one day there could be a cure for breast cancer.

You are the voice, and you help us understand what it’s all about!

Pink October Events

With many advocates and breast cancer survivors hosting events, you too could raise awareness.

Are you considering hosting a breast cancer awareness event in honor of a family member or friend?

AnyPromo can help you plan it!

Our dedicated Pink Awareness page can help you choose from many promotional products to include at your event!

With Pink October now know as an international movement, make sure your donations are going in the right hands.

Susan G. Komen® is a perfect foundation to donate to. You could also find local events happening in your area.

If you want to begin taking action, visit here.

About Tanya V 42 Articles
Tanya doesn't like to write much about herself, because she's still figuring herself out. Although, if she is to pick a vegetable that describes her it would be an onion. Peel away the layers and she can make you cry...from laughter, that is. Actually maybe she's not an onion, because she smells wonderfully. So yea, she's still figuring herself out. ✌

4 Comments

  1. Truly touching blog! I agree it’s scary to know the facts, but as long as we stay aware and get checked regularly, hopefully we come out okay in the end.
    A real shout-out to anyone who has been diagnosed with Cancer. You truly are a hero!

  2. Very informative, and emotionally poignant.

    It’s great that there are organizations out there dedicated to increasing breast cancer awareness.

    • I agree! While there are a lot of organizations helping to raise awareness, I also recommend checking this out: https://thinkbeforeyoupink.org/ . They help give credibility to some companies. Although, not all of the small companies or events may be listed, it’s always good to know where your donations are going!

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