October has now become known worldwide as the month for Breast Cancer awareness. We used to live in a time when breast cancer was very unheard of and not a threat our mothers or daughters had to face. Sadly, times have changed.
Over the years, breast cancer has become more prominent in our society. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2012 there has been, about 226,870 new cases of breast cancer in women and, about 39,510 deaths from breast cancer.
The month of October has been dedicated to recognize those who have fought for their lives against breast cancer and the importance of learning how to save others lives. There are many different ways people can bring breast cancer awareness to the public.
Fundraisers for research is something everyone can participate it. Showing support year-round can be done by putting the pink ribbon magnet on the back of your car or wearing the pink ribbon with your attire.
One of the most heard-of ways is the Susan G. Komen three day walk, “For the Cure.” A group will walk 60 miles over the course of three days all dressed in Pink to show support to those facing breast cancer. This event started back in 1983 with only 800 people walking. Now, in 2012, there were 4,859 participants in the race for the cure. The three day walk “For the Cure” started in Dallas Texas and is now held in over 100 U.S. cities.
Breast cancer awareness month is no longer something that just U.S. citizen’s support, but has become something that is being supported around the globe. Countries such as France, Germany and Spain, along with 14 other countries have also started to participate in the fight against breast cancer.
Global Illumination is another thing that is being done around the world to support breast cancer. This is a campaign that uses pink lights to light up known landmarks. They do this to demonstrate the importance of participating in a mammography screening, which is used to detect the early signs of breast cancer.
Organizations can also promote breast cancer awareness by hosting “Pink Days,” where there will be a place for people to donate money that will be donated to the organizations’ place of choice.
Even sporting teams, such as the National Football League, are doing their part in supporting the fight against breast cancer by sporting the color pink on their websites and in their football gear.
Fundraiser and public support plays a huge part in encouraging those that are in the fight against breast cancer. Jammie Villines, a member of the community, is a breast cancer survivor, whose eyes were open to so much because of her experience.
“I came to realize that so much of what we put our worth in does not matter,” Villines said. “I would be at home watching T.V. and realized I could die any day and started to reflect on the purpose of living. Absolutely nothing but my relationships with my family and with God was no longer important.”
Jammie Villines came to realize that not everyone had support.
“I had to go to radiation every day with the same people and I saw people that had a hard time finding a ride,” Villines said.
While fighting breast cancer, women often lose their hair, strength, and ultimately their identity.
“We were all in the fight for our lives, all facing the reality of death. I had family support, but some people only have public support,” Villines said.
It is important for us all to take this time in October to remember those who are counting on us to help them beat breast cancer.