Leisure’s Role in Breast Cancer Awareness Month

On By Terri Webster SchrandtIn leisure, Leisurely Thursdays

Leisure's-Role-Breast-cancer-awareness

Unless you live under a rock, you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Do you know someone: a friend, colleague or family member who has been diagnosed with breast cancer?

I do. Way too many.

Do you know someone: a friend, colleague or family member who has died as a result of breast cancer?

I have. Way too many.

We are surrounded by images of pink ribbons promoting the fight against breast cancer in the world of leisure. From the National Football League where players wear pink towels, shoe laces, socks and other uniform accessories, to people wearing pink clothing, or sporting pink ribbons on their cars (and windsurf sails).

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second-most common cancer overall. In 2015, an estimated 231,840 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. alone. So no matter who you are or where you live, understanding breast cancer is important. But the most important thing to know is this: a diagnosis is not a death sentence. Breast cancer can be treated.”

The Susan G. Komen organization is instrumental world-wide in fundraising efforts for the research and prevention of breast cancer, as well as the advocacy and support for those afflicted.

Susan G. Komen and other cancer awareness programs continually strive to bring fundraising opportunities to communities in the form of events. These events take the form of fun-runs and walks, bicycle and motorbike rides, church events, and concerts, to name a few. Volunteering at a fundraising event is also a form a leisure.

“Whether you’re a golfer, a bowler, a chef or a runner, there’s a Komen event for you.”

Pink-RibbonYears ago, my daughter, LAM, lost her step-mother to breast cancer. LAM wanted to honor her step-mother and help raise funds for research and prevention by doing a walk for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event traditionally held in April. She asked me to join her.

I did.

And the 10,000 breast cancer survivors and their families?

Happily, that day, I walked alongside way too many.

36 thoughts on “Leisure’s Role in Breast Cancer Awareness Month”

  1. Pingback: Sunday Stills: Make Mine #Pink – Second Wind Leisure Perspectives

  3. Donna

    Thank you for continuing to create awareness on this important topic, Terri. Breast cancer claims far too many lives. Our combined efforts (awareness building, prevention, fundraising, research….) do make a huge difference.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Thanks for keeping us aware of the message of breast cancer awareness month. It is easy to ignore all the pink ribbons, but the problem is not solved and we all continue to be affected by someone with breast cancer.
    I love your pink background!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Pingback: Weekend Coffee Share: Travel on an Injured Knee | Perspectives On....

  8. We all know someone who has had breast cancer. I am grateful for the events and publicity it gets each October. Awareness can only help everyone- whether through raising funds for research or inspiring someone to get a mammogram.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. sizzlesue15

    Terri, I lost my mum to breast cancer and my daughter and I take part in a run each Mother’s Day. Such a lovely way for you to help fight this terrible disease. Thank you for sharing with us and linking up with us at #AnythingGoes.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. I’ve heard that breast cancer affects one out of every eight women. That is “way too many”, so I think whatever we can each individually do to raise awareness and help in whatever way we can is a good thing. Thanks for sharing. ~Paula R #BlogShareLearn

    Liked by 1 person

  16. It’s a very beautiful idea, Terri. I commend you for posting and also for joining your daughter. I also know way too many people who had or still have cancer.

    I’m currently accompanying a friend to chemotherapy for breast cancer.
    Thanks for posting, my friend.
    Xxx

    Liked by 1 person

  17. It is great they have a breast cancer awareness month because I believe it saves a lot of women. One year I went to get my mammogram and they found something unusual (turned out to be nothing) but my friend at work decided she needed to go get a mammogram because of my situation and turned out she had breast cancer. I kinda sorta saved her life.

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.