Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Breast Cancer AWARENESS
In October, we often think about cool, crisp mornings, warm beverages, and the subtle yet striking shift of golden hues in the landscape around us. While fall reminds us of many pleasant scents, sounds, and thoughts, it also brings an important cause to the forefront: breast cancer awareness month.
The wealth of attention that October brings to breast cancer provides millions of dollars to research and programs that benefit those affected by breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women worldwide. Because early detection is pivotal in treatment options, hyperawareness is crucial. Despite resounding support from so many prominent organizations, breast cancer still needs funding for research and a global community of support and care.
The mitigations for cancer are far from a cure, and the treatment options are life altering, difficult journeys that are estimated to affect one in eight women in the United States every year.
Money raised from breast cancer awareness events is allocated to a plethora of things like directly financially supporting individuals and families diagnosed with breast cancer, to funding research on early detection, treatment options, and education. This year, whether you or someone you know has been affected by breast cancer, consider stepping up, reaching out, and supporting the cause of breast cancer awareness.
Get Involved
Getting involved in breast cancer awareness doesn’t just mean donating money (although that is always appreciated.) From fundraisers to sanctioned events, communities come together in support through volunteer work, participation, and even just spreading the word.
In Northwest Arkansas and the Fort Smith area, local organizations bring out the best in our community to fund families and cancer research organizations. Here are some local events that support breast cancer awareness through community programs and breast cancer awareness institutions that may interest you:
Susan G. Komen® NWA/OZARK MORE THAN PINK Walk. On October 7, dedicated individuals and their families impacted by breast cancer will walk in the Susan G. Komen® Northwest Arkansas MORE THAN PINK Walk, at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers. Details and registration at komen.org/nwawalk
For those unable to participate in person, supporters can join Komen at the Walk Where You Are event on October 28. The virtual walk experience brings community members together no matter where they are, and participants can connect before the event through online meetups and virtual social hours.
Cancer Challenge is a local, non-profit organization serving Northwest Arkansas with events, fundraisers, and auctions from Bella Vista to Springdale. Hosting activities such as telethons, golf, tennis, pickleball, and trap shooting tournaments, and walk/run events, Cancer Challenge of NWA has a space for anyone interested in volunteering, participating, donating, or simply sharing with friends and family information on these events.
On October 12th in Bentonville, Arkansas, there is an event called Painting with Mrs. Guillory at 6 p.m. At this event, Mrs. Guillory will provide supplies and help participants paint wooden pumpkin door hangers to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Fayetteville Firefighters are currently selling breast cancer awareness shirts for October 2023. The cost of each shirt is $25, and all profits go to the Washington Regional Cancer Support Home. The Washington Regional Cancer Support Home also accepts volunteer work and monetary donations.
The Pink Ribbon Boutique in Fort Smith, Arkansas is owned by a breast cancer survivor and provides a full line of post-mastectomy products to women after a breast cancer diagnosis and surgery. To show support, you can sponsor products or donate directly.
There are countless small fundraisers sponsored by individuals and small businesses in Northwest Arkansas, and these can be found by searching under “events” on Facebook and looking at the community you’re in.
Show Your Support
If you’re unable to participate in local events, volunteer, or donate, you can still support the fight against breast cancer. Wearing pink, speaking up, and spreading the word by sharing social media posts brings awareness to the events happening around you, even if you can’t attend! Word of mouth is as powerful as anything when bringing hyper awareness to events around you.
As we feel the first hints of frost creep into the air and begin planning our fall schedule of pumpkin patches and homemade soup, let’s remember friends and family that have been impacted by breast cancer and how important breast cancer awareness is. If you’re struggling to find a way to get involved, consider finding events specific to your hobbies or sport. Nearly every hobby, profession and community hosts hundreds of fundraisers a year to support breast cancer awareness.