In this day and age, almost all of us know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society estimates that, “one in eight (12 percent) women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.” These statistics are shocking when you consider your circle of family and friends. ACS states that in 2013, “approximately 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women” across the United States.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but we should always be thinking about what can be done in our communities to help fight against breast cancer and raise awareness. Here are some family-friendly ideas to get involved and help find a cure.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Many people associate the Race for the Cure with the annual 5k runs that take place in cities all over the United States, but, they also have other events that fall under this category as well. You can have fun and raise money at charity events for bowling, golfing, cooking and more.
On the Komen website, you can search by state, month and date to find events near you. It will display the upcoming events based on your search criteria and provide a website link with more information.
Volunteer
Becoming a volunteer for a charity is a wonderful way to give to a worthy cause. Organizations rely on several volunteers to be successful in reaching their goals.
You can contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society, Komen Foundation, Men Against Breast Cancer and other organizations to find out detailed information about their volunteer programs. These organizations typically need assistance with office work, telephone marketing, brochure writing and mailing lists, as well as volunteers during local events.
Dedicating your time and doing so with the other members of your family is a way to share your love and support with others.
Become a Support Branch
Do you know someone that is currently battling breast cancer? If so, spend time learning what she is going through both physically and emotionally. When a person is diagnosed with cancer, it can weaken his or her branches on the tree of life. As a family member or friend, you are able to provide a support branch during a very difficult time in your loved one’s life. If she is feeling ill during her treatment, she may need assistance with things like driving, cooking, grocery shopping, cleaning, and other errands.
Perhaps she is in need of spiritual reassurance and you can help provide encouragement when needed. It is important to remember that we should help others and treat them the way we hope they will treat us in times of need.
The second is like this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ’There is no other commandment greater than these.” —Mark 12:31
A Crucial Catch
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In conjunction with the American Cancer Society, the National Football League will once again team up to raise funds for this worthy cause.
During October, you’ll see many players, coaches, referees and equipment sporting a whole new look — the color pink. This NFL campaign invites schools to participate as well, by signing up for the Crucial Catch Coaches Toolkit. The kit includes lots of suggestions for youth sports and school teams on how to set up fundraisers and local events.
Donate Money
This may be one of the most common methods of supporting a charity organization. Why not try getting the whole family to raise funds together by organizing e a fundraising event in your community? Some ideas include bake sales, neighborhood garage sales, traditional car washes, church sponsored events and school functions. Once you have collected the proceeds, have all of the participants deliver the funds together. Being able to share the feeling of giving to a worthy cause is truly a blessing.
These are just a few of the many ways that, as a family, you can help fight against breast cancer. The quality time you’ll share together will also help strengthen the bond you have with one another.