Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here and we are reminded again of the progress and struggles associated with this awful sickness. Based on recent data, the mortality rate of breast cancer decreased by 38 percent from 1989-2014, which prevented about 300,000 deaths. One in eight women will still be affected by breast cancer, but thanks to increased awareness, early detection, and improved treatment, the fight remains strong.
If you’re interested in alternative support options than pinning a pink ribbon to your clothing, here are a few other ways to show your support.
Ribbon Walk Petworth House 2009 – Photo by Breast Cancer Care on Flickr
Breast Cancer Awareness Walks
There are numerous races and walks throughout the year that are focused on providing support to the research, treatment, and education of breast cancer. Not only are these events fun and active, but they also tend to have large turn-outs and demonstrate the huge community invested in fighting this sickness. We recommend signing up for walks/races organized by Avon39, Susan G. Komen, and American Cancer Society.
Girl Loves Mail
If you’ve been planning on practicing the old form of hand-written letters, this charity is for you. Founded by author and breast cancer survivor Gina L. Mulligan, Girl Loves Mail is a non-profit that “collects hand-written letters of encouragement, bundles them, and sends them, via the caring staff at cancer centers and programs, to women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.” Mulligan started this organization because she found the letters she received during her battle with breast cancer to be extremely encouraging and wanted to make sure other diagnosed women felt the same heartfelt support. There are a few simple guidelines on the site to help you get started. Mulligan also published a book featuring a collection of these wonderful letters.
Know Where Your Money Is Going
If you want to put your money to good use, you can spend on certain retail products or donate to charities and non-profit organizations that are committed to the research and prevention of breast cancer. The key to worthwhile donations is to know which organizations or retails stores would use your investments best. For charities, it’s best to refer to the recommendations of charity watchdogs Charity Navigator and Charity Watch. Suggested charities include National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, National Breast Cancer Foundation, and Cancer Research Institute. If you’d like to purchase retail products that support breast cancer research, the following stores are worth checking out: Athleta, Glasses USA, Aerie, Ulta, Alex And Ani.