October is not only the month for spooky costumes and apple picking but it’s also the month dedicated to breast cancer awareness. Students, athletes, and organizations across the country are going pink this month to represent and support breast cancer survivors everywhere.
To join to fight against breast cancer, staff at ONCEKids has dedicated themselves to “thinking pink” for October. But this concept means so much more than just a color. So although we love and participate in the idea of pink, I want to remind you the purpose behind that (awesome) color.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month was created to spread awareness and encourage steps towards prevention of the disease that affects 1 in 8 women during her lifetime. It was also created to support, encourage and inspire hope in those who are currently battling breast cancer or who have recently overcome it and their loved ones. The color pink symbolizes hope, unity, and a common cause: to overcome the disease that more than 12.4% of women fight. Integrating pink into our daily lives reminds women fighting breast cancer that they are not alone and that there is hope. In 2011, more than 2.6 million women fought and won their battle with breast cancer.
So while “Pinktober” remains an amazing idea, lets not forget why and for whom we are going pink for in the first place. Some breast cancer fighters have expressed concern that in the sea of pink, the message behind Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been drowned out. So let us remind these strong mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, and friends that behind all the pink the message stands clear and stronger than ever- the key to prevention is awareness and this month we will be dedicated to spreading that awareness to everyone around us.
