October is one of my favorite months for so many reasons. It reminds us how beautiful Chicago can be when it embraces color and change. October means postseason baseball, kids in costumes, cozy sweaters and enjoying warm drinks with good friends. Autumn drops scorching temps and raises awareness for good causes. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it has saved countless lives by shining a 31-day spotlight on breast health.
1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Learn how to reduce your risk by knowing your genetic history, performing regular self-exams and scheduling routine mammograms. Read up on carcinogens, how your diet affects your odds and commit to an exercise regimen. Take care of their breast friends and don’t put off your mammogram until next year. We are in this together, and the fight is real.
Remind your friends. Remind your family. There are so many ways to raise awareness and support. I plan on supporting local institutions that raise awareness and funds, and here are a few I’ve found doing great things for this great cause.
Shop
Bright Pink has a list of great partners pledging some or all product sales to the cause. Charming Charlie, for example, is giving back 10 percent of proceeds from all pink products to Bright Pink to support their efforts to raise early detection.
Exercise
Run, walk and raise awareness at one of Chicago’s many physically active fundraisers. Making Strides and the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation 5K are great ways to take action.
Socialize
Dance and mingle at some great local fundraisers. Accessory Me is hosting a “Paint it Pink” event on Saturday, Oct. 28 to support Bright Pink. Susan G. Komen will Ignite the Night on Oct. 21.
Eat
Treat yourself. This month, everyone from Garrett Popcorn and Fabulous Freddies to Epic Burger and Stan’s Donuts are donating a portion of sales to their favorite breast cancer foundations. Check with your favorite local restaurants to see if they’re participating also.
Relax
Relax at The Spa at The Wit Hotel. After you get your mammogram, celebrate your fabulous and ridiculously responsible self with a spa treatment (or three). Spa@theWit is raising funds and spreading awareness with 10 percent of every spa package booked from the pink October spa specials going to The Lynn Sage Foundation.
This fight doesn’t end in November. Keep advocating for awareness long after October is over.
