When October rolls around, everyone breaks out their pink clothing and ribbons to support those they know and love that have breast cancer, and to remember those whom they have lost. It is a life-changing event that has repercussions that extend beyond the disease and treatment and impacts even those who act as a support system.
We find encouragement from national organizations to regional foundations all the way down to the local support groups and through both medical and religious institutions. There is also financial support for both treatment and detection if you happen to be a high risk candidate. We have gather a few of the dozens of organizations to help you and those you love.
One of the big annual events is “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” that is sponsored by the American Cancer Society (ACS). It has strived to save lives on a community-based level across the nation. Donations raised through events like “Making Strides” are used for research and early detection testing as well as raising awareness about what you can do for yourself.
On a regional level, there are organizations like the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF). Its mission is to raise donations to provide grants for non-profit organizations that educate and provide support to the breast cancer communities in Florida. The FBCF also provides grants for advocacy and research, such as to the University of Miami. Most everyone has seen an aspect of this organization’s fundraising, probably on his or her drive to or from work.
“One of our biggest initiatives to raise funds is the Foundation’s Florida specialty license plate,” says Communications Manager Cathy Cruz.
On the local level, there are several organizations and support groups, often affiliated through your community medical and spiritual institutions. Among them is Pink Angels, an organization associated with Memorial Foundation. Mostly comprised of breast cancer survivors, this group volunteers their time to assist those who are underserved – including image recovery in the form of cranial (wigs) and breast prosthetics and also retreats. Pink Angels has its own funds drawn from the goodwill of the wealthier sector of our communities.
“Our retreat at Bonnet House is a major fundraising initiative for those who are in the more severe stages. We really depend on help from the community from those who are able to give,” says Cristina Chediak of Pink Angels.
On the following page are events and products benefitting various breast cancer organizations.
THINK pink
Touch of Pink by Pink AngelsWHEN: Oct. 10, 7 p.m. WHERE: Private home in Harbor Inlet – East Ft. Lauderdale TICKETS: $150 per person; $100 raffle ticket/$200 for 3 INFO: 954.265.6446 / [email protected] Join the 2nd annual “Touch of Pink” celebration hosted by The Pink Angels of Memorial Foundation – a volunteer group of women dedicated to educating women about the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle and ensuring that the resources of Memorial Healthcare System are available to them. The fabulous soirée includes open bar, a light dinner, raffle prizes and dancing. “Beautiful, Bold & Brave: The Warrior Project” Photography Exhibit WHEN: Oct. 10, 7-9 p.m. WHERE: Helium Creative, 500 NW 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale TICKETS: Suggested donation $15 INFO: 954.333.8900 Photographer Susan Buzzi will present portraits of breast cancer survivors accompanied by their personal stories to create the dialogue of awareness and vigilance in our community. The evening will include raffles, refreshments, and guest speakers Vice Mayor of Coconut Creek Becky Tooley and CEO of Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, Russel Silverman. American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Cancer WHEN: Oct. 11, 9 a.m. WHERE: Huizenga Plaza, One E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale INFO: www.makingstrideswalk.org/browardfl Show your support at Broward’s 16th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Making Strides has been the American Cancer Society’s rally to build awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. The walk makes a difference by funding groundbreaking research, providing support to people facing breast cancer, and helping others reduce their risk of breast cancer. Last year, 17,000 walkers in Broward County raised more than $582,000! GLAM DOLL Strut WHEN: Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. WHERE: Esplanade Park, 401 SW 2nd St., Fort Lauderdale TICKETS: $45 per person INFO: 954.732.0092 / www.glam-a-thon.com/strut Thousands of divas, dudes and doggies will be wearing some of the most fashionable, funny and fabulous diva attire. This year four teams will be crowned Queen/King of Glam-A-THON 2014 based on team size. Crowns will also be given out for creativity of the team name, outfits and the team who raises the most money. Donations benefit the Broward Health Foundation and its breast cancer programs and endeavors. Not My Daughter… find a cure now! WHEN: Oct. 21, 6-10 p.m. WHERE: Heron Bay Marriott, 11775 Heron Bay Blvd., Coral Springs TICKETS: $100 per person; $125 VIP tickets include a thank you gift INFO: www.notmydaughterfindacurenow.com Celebrate the 5th annual Not My Daughter…find a cure now! fundraiser – NMD After Dark “Pink is the New Black.” This event includes a shopping boutique, silent and Chinese auctions, amazing raffles, delicious food and drinks and more. Proceeds donated directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure – so come enjoy a night out with great friends to benefit a great cause!
PRETTY IN pink
Lacey Hats by Hats n Tease
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Hats n Tease is offering a beautiful pink lace hat with a very subtle pink ribbon on it. Hats n Tease will donate $10 to Pink-Link.org with the sale of each Pink Lacey hat at $25. For more info, email [email protected] or go to LaceyHats.com then click the Lacey Hats tab. Hats n Tease, 6401 E. Rogers Circle #5, Boca Raton
A Fitting Experience
Mastectomy Shoppe, Inc. is donating a portion of October sales to benefit the Gilda’s Club of South Florida. They are also giving free breast cancer awareness pins (varying styles) to all survivors who visit their store in the month of October. For more info visit www.afittingexperience.com or call 954.978.8287. Mastectomy Shoppe, Inc., 1605 N. State Road 7, Margate
Arm Candy by Warrior Wear
We believe that you have to make the best of every situation. Our goal is to provide quality fashion products for women who are undergoing treatment for cancer and/or are survivors and have lymphedema. Arm Candy, protective fashion wear for compression sleeves, was created to make the best of bad situation. Arm Candy comes in eight colors. Get yours for $25 at www.warriorwear4u.com/id15.html.
