One year ago today, my friend Laura received a call changing her life.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Early detection helped doctors diagnose early.
Laura was one of 642 people who, on average, are diagnosed with breast cancer each day.
One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Early detector and regular mammograms are key.
Just ask Laura. She’s living proof.
Find more from the American Cancer Society at cancer.org.
Fighting cancer takes balls…
For as proud as we are of our manhood, guys aren’t likely to own up to pain or discomfort in our genitals — let alone talk about it. Read more about testicular cancer in my weekly column at twoday magazine.
It’s October and that means one thing — it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
By now, you’ve seen it all, heard it all and read it all.
The color pink and the overabundance of breast cancer awareness messages seem to have some people seeing red.
You can’t stroll down the grocery store aisle without seeing at least three products with a sliver of pink on the packaging — pretzels, drinks, bread and, apparently, even Mike’s Hard Lemonade.
But, how much of that money is going toward breast cancer research?
Check out this 2009 article from AOL’s Daily Finance. In it, the writer uncovers some pretty startling information:
So how does purchasing a pink Swiffer help the cause? It’s unclear from the label, because it contains no information about how its purchase will help support breast-cancer causes. And, according to a Procter & Gamble spokeswoman, the company will only make a two-cent donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation if a consumer uses a coupon from Procter & Gamble’s brand saver coupon book, which was distributed in newspapers on Sept. 27. Without the coupon, the limited-edition pink packaging on the Swiffer is simply designed to draw awareness to the cause.
The article also mentioned Herr’s products, where a cap was in place on donations.
Money-hungry corporations have latched onto the pink bandwagon, not to help make a difference, but to make a profit.
And think about it… it’s pretty difficult to not consider breast cancer a major problem, especially because it attacks the women in our lives — mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, etc.
And these are the folks who are targeted in a majority of advertising anyway. So a company who has repackaged its items for October might not be in the market to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer, but knows that since mom is doing the shopping, she’s more likely to pick up a pink packaged product to join in the fight.
But what about groups that are legitimately helping to fundraise for breast cancer research?
As a longtime volunteer for the American Cancer Society, it sickens me to see other organizations practically whore themselves (and survivors) out just to market their cause. The Susan G. Komen Foundation has its name on a multitude of products, and, while the money is at least going to an organization dedicated to fighting breast cancer, the cost to market the foundation’s name on household products is taking away a lot of money that could be used for research.
I’m not sure of the deal inked between the American Cancer Society and the NFL for the promotion of the organization’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events. However, the American Cancer Society has, for a very long time, depended on grassroots, community efforts to get its message across, while Komen has bolted right to Corporate America.
The American Cancer Society and its network of local offices and volunteers works to connect the community with information, thus, keeping marketing costs to a minimum. In fact, it’s only been in the last few years or so that the American Cancer Society has really pushed its mission across a national audience — with its birthday commercials, etc.
I do understand the frustration of too much pink. But, at the same time I argue that without it, millions of lives could have been lost, and still could be lost if we don’t continue to push that message. Imagine how many children might not have a living mother today if it weren’t for the color pink being everywhere?
Some bloggers and newspaper columnists I’ve read throughout the month have argued that other diseases are just as important and should be given the attention.
And they are correct. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. Women still are dying of lung cancer. Obesity also is a factor for women.
The American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association are two very important organizations whose messages, sadly, are not as loud as those from the breast cancer awareness groups.
But my focus is on fighting cancer (not just breast cancer, but all cancer). I’ve given my life to help make somebody’s life a little better after hearing those words, “You have cancer.”
I recognize that other diseases are important, and there are (or should be) people out there helping to make a difference with those causes.
I’ve chosen to fight cancer. What is it that you lend a hand to?
While I’ve never heard the words, “You have cancer,” I know how devastating they can be.
On Saturday, more than 3,000 people — many dressed in pink from head to toe — gathered near Heinz Field to fight back against breast cancer and help to eliminate that dreaded phrase.
It was Pittsburgh’s first American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, and it raised about $150,000 for research, education and survivor programs, such as the organization’s “Look Good…Feel Better” service that provides wigs and makeup tips to survivors.
I was among those who made a pledge to fight breast cancer, sans much pink attire.
Roars of applause for mothers, grandmothers, co-workers and friends could be heard across the North Side as I walked with fellow members of the Trib Total Media team.
I had the chance to talk with some survivors who were surrounded by loved ones. The women all seemed honored by the support offered to them — even from complete strangers.
But as I’ve learned in the nearly 14 years I’ve spent volunteering for the American Cancer Society, those affected by cancer are not strangers. Anybody touched by cancer instantly can relate — whether through their own battle or watching someone they love fight.
WPXI-TV anchor Peggy Finnegan and reporter Timyka Artist were among those participating as survivors. Each shared their story and offered a message of hope to other survivors.
More than 192,000 new cases of breast cancer were expected last year, and more than 40,000 women were expected to die from breast cancer, according to information from the American Cancer Society.
But those numbers didn’t matter to the throngs of people taking part in the event.
It was the second time this month I was part of such an inspirational and emotional group. Earlier this month, I spent three days in Lancaster, Pa., for the annual state Relay For Life conference, where I met hundreds of survivors and caregivers.
There’s no doubt cancer has touched almost everybody’s life in one way or another, but millions of survivors, caregivers, researchers and volunteers know that through hope anything can be accomplished.
I created this e-mail over the weekend and sent it to several folks. Please consider making a $10 donation.
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Dear friend,
In less than two weeks, my year-long commitment to organizing the Relay For Life of Moon Area will end. But the need to fight cancer won’t.
Thanks to the many donations and financial support offered by folks like you, we are making a difference in the fight against cancer.
Want proof? Did you know that today in Pennsylvania…
Because of donations received from folks like you through Relay For Life of Moon Area, we all can make a difference. Please help fight cancer by offering your financial support today!
Today in Pennsylvania, YOU are lessening the cancer burden of many.
To make a donation, click here.
———- Bark For Life at Moon Park ———-
Relay For Life has gone to the dogs! We fight back for our two-legged loved ones, and now our four-legged loved ones have a chance to fight back, too. Bark For Life at Moon Park is a fun-filled, non-competitve walk — complete with contests, games, demonstrations and more — for you and your furry friend.
BobbyCherry.com 