Breast cancer – it could happen to you
Far too many important people in my life experienced breast cancer in one form or another over the last ten years. All were women aged 50+. The specific type of breast cancer, severity and treatments varied greatly, as did the prognoses. Some survived, others were not so fortunate. Did you know breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women except for skin cancers?
Women under age 50 get breast cancer too, as do men, but it occurs most often in older women. By age 50, the risk is about 1 in 68, or roughly 1.5 percent, and after age 60, the chance rises to approximately 1 in 28, or 3.6 percent. Think about that.
I watched loved ones go through their treatments. I knew how scared they were and I felt helpless. Sure, I held their hands, brought meals and offered rides, but I could not erase the unpleasant side effects from chemo or the fear from their children’s eyes. I want to do more. Here are some ways I help support research and programming for breast cancer.
Ways to donate during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
PURCHASE A THOUGHTFUL GIFT WHERE PROFITS SUPPORT THE CAUSE
Lots of companies organize promotions to help raise money for charitable organizations in October for National Breast Cancer Month. These two gift items below are my favorites for 2020. They both make thoughtful “thinking of you” gifts – surprise the survivors, or those who lost a treasured friend or family member with either of these wonderful items and make someone’s day.
Park Lane Granola
Park Lane Pantry x Trove Florals collaborated to launch this limited availability promotion for breast cancer awareness month! Generously, profits through sales of this collaboration will be donated to the Dwight Powell Children and Family Support Fund at UT Southwestern’s Simmons Cancer Center.
FLOWER DETAILS:
- Preserved Fuchsia XL rose with pink soft moss. Lasts a year and beyond!
- Dimensions: 4″ x 5″
- Weight: 5.1oz
This beautiful and long-lasting gift will make someone’s day a whole lot brighter! (The long-lasting part is the flower…the granola always goes fast!)
GRANOLA DETAILS:
- 2oz bag of Elaine’s Original granola
- Elaine’s Original is the vegan, soy-dairy-gluten-free, no GMO snack Elaine developed for her cancer-fighting diet. Each small batch is slow toasted, double-baked and from scratch with almonds, pecan, walnuts, coconut, Medjool dates, cranberries, apricots, and gluten-free rolled oats.
- Made with real food ingredients: Whole grain gluten free rolled oats, Monk fruit extract, Almonds, Pecans, Unsweetened coconut flakes, Coconut oil, Walnuts, Apricots, Medjool dates, Cranberries, Vanilla extract, Orange peel, Kosher salt, Sea salt, Ground cinnamon, Brown rice flour.(Read our review of Park Lane Pantry Granola)
Park Lane Pantry and Trove Florals are Dallas based women-owned business with female founders impacted by breast cancer.
$50
Munson’s Chocolates
American Cancer Pink Foiled Hearts 8 oz
Some people prefer to send a check to a worthy organization rather than buy something. There are many charities from which to choose and, of course, money is always appreciated. Before you give though, confirm that the charity applies the bulk of the donations they receive to programs and research. I learned the hard way that some organizations use far too much on salaries and other administrative fees. You want the money to actually help people. Check ratings for charities on charity navigator. Donate in honor or in memory of a loved one; as charities notify the individual or their family you specify, it’s a nice way to let someone know you thought of them. What a lovely gift to give someone you love.
Here are three of my favorite charities, all highly rated:
Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research
This foundation drives collaborative, cutting-edge research with nontraditional partners and actively engages the public in research to ensure they produce accurate and meaningful results.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation
The mission of the National Breast Cancer Foundation is to provide help and inspire hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer
LBBC addresses the current needs of people impacted by breast cancer, whether newly diagnosed, in treatment, in recovery, living with a history of breast cancer or managing a metastatic form of the disease.
PARTICIPATE IN AN EVENT
Many organizations host events where you ask people to sponsor you to raise money for the cause. Walks, runs, cycling events, you name it – you can easily find events online. If you prefer less activity, important volunteer opportunities that don’t involve exercise are plentiful to help with the logistics of these events. No matter how you choose to get involved, all are lots of fun and you will leave the event with new friends and probably a cool new tee shirt. Here are two events in which I participate frequently.
Susan B. Komen 3 Day Walk or Race for the Cure
Susan B. Komen sponsors many different events nationwide. I did many of the 5k runs, and one of the 3 day walks. These events are fun, inspirational and an effective way to raise money. Find more information on their website about how you can participate/volunteer/raise money.
ACA Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
The American Cancer Society hosts Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks in dozens of locations throughout the U.S. These walks are three to five miles in length and are non-competitive. And there’s no minimum fundraising requirement for this one! Read more on their website.
The bottom line
We all need to continue to work diligently to help find a cure and provide support for those with breast cancer and their families! I won’t give up as long as I am able to help the cause in some way – during Breast Cancer Awareness month and beyond. Join me?
Let us know in the comments below if you have a favorite event or charity you like to work with to support breast cancer research and programming.
