Pink October

The White House got a pink glow in Washington, D.C. People painted their pumpkins pink in Calvert, Md., and women donated art made of bras in Orange City, Fla. In Pennsylvania, first lady Susan Corbett turned the fountain pink in Harrisburg Wednesday, September 28 in conjunction with the PA Breast Cancer Coalition [PBCC]. The fountain will remain pink throughout October. And they did it all last year in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Almost all of us know someone whose life has been touched in some way by this disease,” said First Lady Susan Corbett said in a press release.

“My mother fought and won two rounds with breast cancer.  She’s 92 now and still ready to fight. I’m proud to be her daughter.  With new treatments, research and a simple will to survive; we can all take on the challenge of reducing breast cancer deaths and someday put an end to this disease.”

“As a staple at the State Capitol, this fountain is a reminder to all who pass by about the magnitude of breast cancer education. It serves as a tribute to the brave women throughout Pennsylvania who have fought or are fighting this dreadful disease,” said Pat Halpin-Murphy, PBCC President and Founder.

This October promises to bring even more colorful and thoughtful events and opportunities.

“Clearly, every person who brings attention to the cause is fantastic,” said Terry Music, chief mission delivery officer for the American Cancer Society.

Groups of women are getting together and survivors are reaching out to each other on social networks. Children are helping out, too, by pitching tents and filling water bottles at fundraisers in Tampa and serving pink lemonade from homemade stands in Philadelphia. Neighbors in Little Neck, N.Y., gather for a block party.

Men are participating, too, and in Connecticut, they are hosting a dance – no ties needed! In Virginia, men’s soccer and volleyball teams suit up in pink for special games.

There are hundreds of breast cancer awareness walks and runs around the country, plus marathons and a plethora of exercise-related events. Then there are the tea parties, luncheons, golf tournaments, masquerade balls, art shows, motorcross and motorcycle rides and concerts.

A Winter Park, Fla., hospital is raising money for the cause by selling pink plastic flamingos, which are popping up in yards all over town. An exhibit in Illinois is spotlighting survivors and family members through visual art.

And, of course, let’s not forget the high heel races going on around the world in support of breast cancer awareness, like the Stiletto Stampede for the Cure in Houston.

Here are local events celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness month:

• Optimal Sport Health Club and Fox Chase Cancer Center present Optimal Fitness for a Cure October 9 8am-1pm. Both members and non-members are invited to the Newtown location for a range of fun $5 fitness classes ($20 for a day pass).
• The Talking Teacup in Chalfont will host their final fundraiser, the Concert Under the Stars, prior to the Breast Cancer 3-day walk on October 9 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. The Mango Men will perform outside the Talking Teacup. Food and refreshments will be available with all proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen fund.
• The Doylestown Hospital will host a free Breast Cancer Support Group Annual Celebration event for anyone affected by breast cancer October 13 from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Call 215-345-2261 to register. The event will be held in conference rooms B & C.
• Macy's is hosting Shop For A Cause on October 16 at 9 a.m. Help the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation by purchasing a $5 shopping pass for exclusive savings and special offers in every Macy’s store.
• The Komen 3-Day for the Cure, a three-day, 60-mile walk, is from Friday, October 14 through Sunday, October 16. The opening ceremony is October 14 at Willow Grove Park Mall at 7 a.m. The closing ceremony will be held October 16 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard at 4:30 p.m. Register now at www.The3Day.org or 800-996-3DAY using the discount code KOMEN25 and receive $25 off your registration fee.
• The Big sMall Walk for Breast Cancer is on Saturday, October 29 at 9 a.m. at Oxford Valley Mall (First Floor Macy's Court) in Langhorne. The Big sMall Walk benefits The Bott Cancer Center at Holy Redeemer. Following the walk, there will be a Locks of Love Event with Hair Cuttery in Macy's Court from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.