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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: How Fashionistas Can Unite to Support a Worthy Cause

breast cancer awareness month logo

Itā€™s still early in the month, but youā€™ve probably noticed pink ribbons decorating your local community, grocery stores and/or workplace. October is recognized as International Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Itā€™s a time to support the nearly 235,000 women and men in the United States and abroad who will be affected by the life-threatening illness.

While advancements in medicine and researchĀ are making it possible for more individuals to survive a bout with breast cancer (the second leading cause of death among women after lung cancer), itā€™s critical we continue working together to find a cure for this grave disease.Ā  From donating used bras to bidding on luxurious apparel, Iā€™ve listed some ideas that any fashionista can do to give back to such a deserving cause as this one and receive a little something special for themselves as well.

Bra Recycling, Free Yoga and a High Fashion Auction Are Just What the Doctor Ordered

As you take part in any or all of these opportunities to give, you are standing in solidarity with theĀ 1 out of 8 women (12%) told they have invasive breast cancer in their lifetimesā€™Ā and extending some much needed encouragement and assistance:

Bid to Help Survivors Revamp Their Looks: You still have a few days left to bid on an array of exclusive styles, handbags, jewelry and even vacations as part of superstar designerĀ Christian Diorā€™s sixth annual Dior Auction. A 100% of the proceeds will benefitĀ Look Good Feel Better,Ā a non-profit organization aiding both women and men who are undergoing breast cancer treatments to feel more confident by receiving free beauty and style sessions. Bidding will close on Thursday, October 10; so hurry and submit your best offers.

Undergarments Uplift Women Around the World: Womenā€™s bra sizes and styles are constantly changing and like me, Iā€™m sure you have a couple of extra ones you wouldnā€™t mind passing on. As the company name implies,Ā The Bra RecyclersĀ is a company committed to recycling and/or giving your old bras a new home with women in need or transition. Find out where you can mail in your gently used bras or a drop-off center near you by clickingĀ here.Ā Youā€™ll be entered into a raffle to win several great prizes when donating this month.

Celebrate the Next Generation of Women: Mark your calendars to remember October 11 as theĀ United Nations Second Annual International Day of the Girl (Child).Ā This yearā€™s theme, ā€œInnovating for Girlsā€™ Educationā€, is a call to action for the global community to partner in finding solutions to help the approximateĀ 66 million girls wanting to attend schoolĀ but for various reasons are unable to. One way I plan to rally behind this cause is supportingĀ Girl Rising,Ā a groundbreaking documentary exploring nine girlsā€™ journeys from nine countries to be educated. Learn how you too can be a part of this empowering movement on the filmā€™s website. Itā€™s one you wouldnā€™t want to miss as itā€™s narrated by nine renowned actresses and directed by an Academy Award-winning director.

Bring a Loved One for a Mammogram: I canā€™t think of a greater act of love than accompanying a special person in your life to the doctor. Throughout the month, imaging centers, hospitals and their affiliates will be offeringĀ low cost and/or free mammograms,Ā education and other beneficial resources to anyone in need. Early detection is one of the most powerful tools in surviving breast cancer!

Every Donation Can Help: It can be a bit overwhelming trying to narrow down a list of organizations to give to, but remember to do your research and be aware ofĀ ā€œpinkwashing.”Ā This marketing tactic involves incorporating pink ribbons, a well-known symbol of breast cancer awareness, onto packaging for products that may actually create a risk for breast cancer, or without any intention of supporting research for the disease with money earned from sale of the product.

Healthier Choices and More Exercise: In the process of caring for others, donā€™t forget to care for yourself! The American Cancer Society suggests everyone eats a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and increase their physical activity to lower cancer risks. As October is also recognized as World Vegetarian Month, this will be a great time to try some meatless recipes and sign up for a week of free yoga classes at theĀ Yoga Health Foundationā€™s website.Ā Youā€™ll be lowering your stress levels and feel great while doing so!

In what other ways do you plan to bring awareness, support and/or celebrate breast cancer awareness month? Leave me a note in the comment section; Iā€™d love to hear from you. Think Pink!

Image Credit: Beverly & Pack via photopin cc

2 comments
  1. Talancia Pea

    No problem, Diane C! There are endless opportunities to support breast cancer awareness this month. Remember to have fun while on your journey to find the ones that will become a part of your daily lifestyle. Thanks for reading and sharing!!

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