Pink

Image by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

It is upon us: Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

What do we do with this sea of pink in which we find ourselves awash? While we desire to be supportive, we must be wary of organizations that are looking to increase their profits by riding the wave of a worthy cause. At the risk of sounding cynical, do we really know where the money is going when we buy something with a pink ribbon on it?

Before we pull out our wallets to buy another pink knick-knack, we could consider some other options. We could donate directly to an organization that:

• provides free mammograms to women in need
• funds breast cancer research
• supports individuals or families experiencing breast cancer

Another way to participate this month is by connecting with individuals. With one in eight women experiencing breast cancer in their lifetime, there is likely someone in our workplace, neighborhood, or house of worship who is affected. Maybe we could:

• contribute toward their medical bills
• make or buy them dinner
• send them out on a date with their honey
• watch their kids for a few hours
• take them out for tea, coffee, or other favorite beverage
• send them a note of encouragement

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below ways that you suggest to help others; from readers who are survivors, let us know how others have blessed you.

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