This October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, do more than just sport the pink ribbon. We’ve compiled a list of walks/runs you can attend, charities you can support and products you can buy this month as well as volunteer opportunities to help make a positive difference in the lives of those with breast cancer.
Upcoming Walks/Runs
Making Strides Walk/Run by the American Cancer Society (National)
This walk/run celebrates survivors of breast cancer and raises funds for breast cancer cure research and other programs offered through the ACS. Click here to find a Making Strides walk/run in your area. Even dates happen throughout October but vary by location.
New York
Participants can choose between the 4K/6K walk and a 10K “Hercules on the Harbor.” Proceeds will go toward breast cancer research at Stony Brook Medicine. Stony Brook Cancer Center will have its mobile mammography truck on-site the day of the event. Stony Brook Village Center, Stony Brook. Oct. 6.
New Jersey
Sister2Sister 5K Race/Walk 4 Life
Sister2Sister nonprofit works to support minority and underserved breast cancer survivors. During the annual race/walk, participants can enjoy on-stage entertainment, a raffle, various vendors and more. Funds raised from the event benefit the Breast Cancer Assistance Program, which provides emergency services for women with breast cancer during chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Colonial Park, Somerset. Oct. 5.
Connecticut
Pounding the Pavement for Pink 5K
Organized by Seymour Pink, this race will have awards for Pinkest Outfit, Most Spirit and other categories. All funds go toward breast cancer research. River Street, Seymour. Oct. 5.
Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut
Sponsored by the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation, this walk features a full marathon, a half-marathon, a quarter marathon and a 5K. All funds raised go directly toward breast cancer research. Oct. 5.
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New York
Breast Cancer Research Foundation (NYC)
Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation (Upstate)
Maurer Foundation (Nassau)
West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition for Long Island, Inc. (Suffolk)
New Jersey
Cure Breast Cancer Foundation (Bergen)
Essex-Passaic Wellness Coalition (Essex, Passaic)
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (Middlesex)
Rhode Island
Gloria Gemma Foundation (Providence)
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (Plymouth)
Ellie Fund (Norfolk)
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Breast Cancer Coalition (Strafford)
Connecticut
Norma Pfriem Breast Center (Fairfield)
Yale-New Haven Hospital Breast Cancer Program New Haven (New Haven)
Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation (New London)
Products
If you buy one Brow Power pencil or Love Beauty Fully brush, IT Cosmetics will donate one to Look Good Feel Better. To date, over $8 million in pencils and over $16 million in brushes have been donated. This offer extends beyond October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
When you purchase the Pink Tulips Charm Bangle, Rhode Island-based company Alex and Ani will donate 20% of the purchase price along with a minimum $50,000 donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation from now until December 2019.
All oysters are harvested from the Long Island Sound, and 25% of the net revenue from each Pink Ribbon Oyster is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Another Rhode Island-based jewelry company, proceeds from select Luca and Danni products are donated to the Gloria Gemma Foundation.
Volunteer/Donation Opportunities
American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery
If you want to help breast cancer patients personally, consider being a Reach to Recovery volunteer. Volunteers are trained to give emotional support to patients and their families as well as giving info about treatments, coping and recovery. You can choose to participate over the phone or during a home or hospital visit.
American Cancer Society Road to Recovery
Own a car and have a flexible schedule? You’re more than qualified to work with Road to Recovery. Road to Recovery helps cancer patients get to and from their appointments and provides them peace of mind.
If you or someone you know is a beauty professional, consider becoming a volunteer with Look Good Feel Better. Volunteer beauty professionals conduct group programs or one-on-one salon consultations with breast cancer patients and give them beauty tips to help them face their diagnosis with confidence. You can also serve as a general volunteer to make sure these sessions run smoothly. For more info about either of these positions and about the program, click here.
Will you be volunteering or donating this October for breast cancer awareness month? Tell us about your favorite charities and causes in the comments below.
