Communities Host Events to Raise Breast Cancer Awareness

The White House got a pink glow in Washington, D.C. People painted their pumpkins pink in Calvert, Md., and women donated art made of bras in Orange City, Fla. In Pennsylvania, first lady Susan Corbett turned the fountain pink in Harrisburg. And they did it all last year in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This October promises to bring even more colorful and thoughtful events and opportunities.

“Clearly, every person who brings attention to the cause is fantastic,” said Terry Music, chief mission delivery officer for the American Cancer Society.

Groups of women are getting together and survivors are reaching out to each other on social networks. Children are helping out, too, by pitching tents and filling water bottles at fundraisers in Tampa and serving pink lemonade from homemade stands in Philadelphia. Neighbors in Little Neck, N.Y., gather for a block party.

Men are participating, too, and in Connecticut, they are hosting a dance – no ties needed! In Virginia, men’s soccer and volleyball teams suit up in pink for special games.

There are hundreds of breast cancer awareness walks and runs around the country, plus marathons and a plethora of exercise-related events. Then there are the tea parties, luncheons, golf tournaments, masquerade balls, art shows, motorcross and motorcycle rides and concerts.

Here are some local offerings this year:

• Take a Bite out of Breast Cancer – October

will participate Oct. 12

will contribute 25% of proceeds from Oct. 12

• Pink Fling – Oct. 2 – Hampstead – www.carrollhospsitalcenter.org/pink-fling
• Healing in Heals – Oct. 9 – Annapolis www.savethecoconuts.com
• Gift of Life Breakfast Benefit- Oct. 12. - Washington, D.C. http://www.capitalbreastcare.org/getinvolved/GiftofLifeBreakfast/
• Yoga on the Steps - Oct. 16 - Freedom Plaza www.yogaoonthesteps.org
• Pink Rocks the Runway – Oct. 21 www.pinkjams.com

Are you a survivor? Do you have a story to share? Patch wants to give you a place to inspire and encourage each other. Send us your photos of those 5ks, pink parties, dog walks and luncheons. Heading to get a mammogram with your friend, sister, coworker or daughter? Snap a photo before you go, and send it our way! Email shaun@patch.com or tweet it to us @GeorgetownPatch