By: Caroline Utz
As autumn begins, activities like apple picking, Harvest Homecoming and Halloween decorating are just around the corner. While October may be filled with those classic fall activities, it is also a crucial time in the fight against breast cancer. Even though breast cancer is in the national spotlight, there are still many local ways to support the cause during the month of October.
Walk it off
Both Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the American Cancer Society host charity walks and runs during October. On Saturday, October 8, the annual Komen Louisville Race for the Cure will be held at Louisville Waterfront Park at 8 A.M. Participants can choose to either walk or run the 5K course, individually or with a team. All participants must pay $25 , but are free to donate more as much as they wish. According to Komen Louisville, all of the funds will go directly to breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment programs.
The American Cancer Society will host Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Sunday, October 23 at Louisville Waterfront Park. The walk, beginning at 1 P.M., requires no registration fee or minimum fundraising requirements. With over 800,000 participants nationwide in 2010, according to the American Cancer Society, this non-competitive race helped raise $60 million for breast cancer awareness and research.
Spend to Save Lives
Saving a life may be just as simple as reaching into your wallet. Many top companies are now selling products to raise money for the cure. Vera Bradley, the handbag queen, has created a new pattern, Tea Garden, to benefit breast cancer research. Ten percent of the proceeds will go directly to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer and other related charities. Vera Bradley products can be purchased at Hallmark stores, Aebersold’s Florist, and Dillard’s. Conair has also stepped up to the plate with a new line of pink hair styling tools. Conair has pledged to give a minimum of 100,000 dollars to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or more depending on the sales of their products. Conair products are available at Target, Macy’s, CVS Pharmacies, and Meijer.
