Breast cancer awareness events come around every year. I have friends who participate, but the extent of my own involvement has been buying a Ralph Lauren polo supporting breast cancer research. I never thought much about the fight against breast cancer until recently, when I came across this quotation from a woman named Nan speaking at a meeting, from Augusten Burroughs’s book, Dry:
“I was 20, I was hot, I was like, get the hell out of my way… So last year, I’m in the shower one morning and I’m thinking about what I have to deal with that day. You know, like I have a meeting with Michael Kors, a lunch with the buyer from Bloomingdale’s, etcetera, etcetera; just work stuff… And all of a sudden, I feel this lump in my breast… It was a big lump. It was a mass… I think, ‘Well, this is nothing.’ That’s what I tell myself. Nothing at all. A callous. That’s actually what I told myself. Can you imagine, a callous on my breast? I mean my sex life is just not that good… But even my powers of denial aren’t that powerful and I gently reminded myself that my mother died of breast cancer, my grandmother died of breast cancer… I go to my doctor, he sends me to an oncologist. They do a biopsy and surprise surprise, it’s breast cancer.”
It struck me how this woman just woke up one day and everything changed. She was fiery and young (like me) and then, suddenly, she only has three months to live.
I may not have a reason to personally fight for this cause today, but I know there are thousands of women like Nan whose lives have been completely changed by the disease. So for those of us who haven’t been personally touched by breast cancer, there’s still plenty of reason to give and support the cause – just in time for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
Get Pampered
Through October, Spa Gregorie’s will be selling a VIP Pink Goodie Bag for $25 at its three locations (Newport Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Del Mar) containing over $200 worth of goodies, including beauty brands like L’Oreal, Arcona and Kai; free passes to Yoga Works; True Food Kitchen free brunch coupons; and many other treats. All proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen Award and Research Grant Program.
:: spagregories.com
Eat Pink
Panera Bread continues its tradition of selling its signature Pink Ribbon Bagel during the month of October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Five to 25 cents of every $1.29 Pink Ribbon Bagel will go to support breast cancer awareness and research. What’s in the “pink” bagel? Cherry chips, dried cherries and cranberries, vanilla, honey, and brown sugar.
:: panerabread.com
Hit the Books
Learning about breast cancer is critical in the fight against it. That’s why you’ll want to check out this free education series put on by the Komen Orange County Affiliate. Upcoming lectures take place on October 9, October 13 and October 26. Topics include information on the latest medical advancements, an integrative approach to wellness after breast cancer and the relationship between breast cancer and sexual health.
:: ockomen.com
Wacoal Fit for the Cure
For every woman fitted at a Fit for the Cure event, Wacoal will donate $2 to Komen for the Cure. Events take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be held on October 7 at Bloomingdale’s Fashion Island; October 21 at Macy’s Fashion Island; October 21 at Macy’s Westminster; October 22 at Macy’s South Coast Plaza; and October 22 at Macy’s in The Shops at Mission Viejo.
:: fitforthecure.com
Takeya
Huntington Beach-based food and beverage container maker Takeya is offering an eco-friendly pink water bottle embossed with the breast cancer awareness symbol, debuting in time for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and available through Mother’s Day 2011. Part of the proceeds from sales of the water bottle will go to benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national nonprofit organization that supports breast cancer survivors.
:: takeyausa.com
All That Glitters is Pink
For every purchase made in October from Ecoutrement’s Smart Glass jewelry line – worn by celebrities ranging from Jennifer Aniston to Christina Applegate and Katherine Heigl – 10% of the purchase price will be donated to breast cancer research. These earrings and necklaces are made from recycled glass and sterling silver.
:: ecoutrement.com
(Ariana Morin contributed to this story.)
