October is a month filled with orange and black, spider webs, costumes, and spending lots of money on costumes that will only be worn once. But, it’s also important to think pink during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and spend your money on a noteworthy cause. Hold off on the candy that will leave you in a sugar overload, and do something that will make you feel good — like give back, no cavities required.
1. Donate your hair.
Many women with cancer lose their hair because of chemotherapy. Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a partner of Pantene and the American Cancer Society creates wigs from donated hair, aiming to make women feel glamorous. Losing hair is a traumatic experience, but donating your hair not only gives you a new look, but it will give these women a new outlook. Rock short hair, like Emma Watson or Miley Cyrus, for the cause; it takes at least six ponytails to make just one wig. Pantene Beautiful Lengths requires at least 8 inches of hair, and it can’t be bleached, dyed or contain chemicals. Already 303,998 ponytails have been donated. To find out more about Pantene Beautiful Lengths, check out www.pantene.com/en-US/PanteneBeautifulLengths/Pages/default.aspx.
2. Check out local hair salons.
Salon Mixx in Davie, Fla. will offer pink extensions for $20 and free haircuts for those donating 10inches or more. A. Rossi Salon and Spa in Boca Raton, Fla. will have an event featuring $20 haircuts and $15 manicures on Oct. 14 that will raise money for the American Cancer Society. Check out www.arossisalon.com.
3. Walk.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer was founded in 1993 and is a walk that not only raises money, but also raises hope. It’s an opportunity to join a team or create your own and give back. You’ll have the chance to get some exercise and join the sea of pink walking for a cure. This event is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, and is Oct. 13 at Huizenga Park in Ft. Lauderdale and at Tropical Park in Miami-Dade. For more details , visit www.makingstrideswalk.org.
4. Be pretty in pink.
Make an effort to buy items that feature a pink ribbon, because the proceeds are one step closer to finding a cure. Nail companies O.P.I. and Essie have created collections specifically for Breast Cancer Month. Companies, ranging from Avon to Vera Bradley, have everything from watches to water bottles. Yoplait yogurt and General Mills will have lids on their products that donate funds for curing breast cancer. Ford Warriors in Pink, founded by Ford Motor Company in 2006, is a great place to donate. You can buy cute merchandise or create your own t-shirt. They have already donated over three million dollars. Check out www.wipqa.marketingassociates.com/warrior-wear and www.savelidstosavelives.com
5. Get educated.
Breast cancer is becoming all too common, as one in eight women in the U.S. are diagnosed with it, according to BreastCancer.org. Early detection can save your life. Self-exams should be done every month, and women should visit their OBGYN every year. Know your body; get a mammogram every year starting at age 40, even earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer. Men are also prone to the disease. Don’t be afraid; just remember how relieved you’ll be after it’s all done. Reward yourself by buying a pair of sparkly shoes or treating yourself to a manicure. After all, you deserve it. Check out ww5.komen.org.
6. Be there.
Helping a friend, sister or mother battling the disease is very important. Being there for them , showing support, offering to drive them to doctor appointments or making them dinner makes their lives a little less stressful. The most crucial part of recovery is having a loved one by their side.
Although Breast Cancer Awareness Month is October, it affects millions year round. Pink might be a girly color, but it is also a strong and bold one. Don’t underestimate the power that pink holds. Crack open your wallets, chop off your hair, buy a few t-shirt and give whatever you can to make a difference.
