Every October, Americans around the country rally together for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Professional athletes wear pink to show support for survivors, organizations raise money for research and supporters help out in any way they can. This October, that cause is being taken up again as people both nationally and locally take part in Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
National Campaigns
The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., which is based in Dallas, is one of the many national organizations that support survivors and strives to educate people about breast cancer.
In the last 10 years, the organization has provided over 192,000 mammograms, 858,000 patient navigation services and 240,000 breast health education services to people in need, according to its website.
Susan G. Komen, another nonprofit, also contributes to the fight against cancer by funding research. Since 1982, the organization has contributed approximately $1.1 billion towards research and $2.2 billion on education, screening and treatment.
Local Efforts
Locals are also doing their part in Southlake to spread breast cancer awareness. Kathleen Ruth is one Southlake resident who founded The Healing Chair’s DFW chapter in 2019.
The Healing Chair provides recliners to breast cancer survivors who are recovering from mastectomies. Mimi Tran was Southlake’s first recipient.
“It was so helpful,” Mimi says. “The day of surgery, I arrived home, [and] I sat on one of my sofas and sunk into the sofa. I had two people try to help me up, but it was painful. Pressing on the elbows and arms caused a lot of pain to the breast. Once I got the chair, I could get up on my own. It helped me be independent.”
The Friday Night Lights also provide an opportunity for Southlake residents to give back. Each season, one of Dragon Football’s home games serves as Pink Out Night, where breast cancer survivors are recognized and fans pass the bucket for donations. Last year’s Pink Out game raised over $4,000 for Susan G. Komen. This year’s Pink Out Game is set for Friday, Oct. 8.
Spreading Awareness
One of the easiest ways to show support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to get a mammogram and encourage others to get mammograms as well. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the higher the five-year relative survival rate is, according to NBCF’s website.
Fundraising is also a big part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Whether it’s putting money in the bucket at Dragon Stadium, hosting your own fundraiser via social media or even taking part in one of Susan G. Komen’s Race For The Cure events, don’t underestimate the power of your dollar.
“Now going on more than 30 years, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is important because it provides an opportunity and platform for the entire country to focus on the reality that this is still a critically urgent disease… that touches everyone in some way,” Susan G. Komen communications director Sean Tuffnell says.