October is all about Pink

It's time to start gearing up for National Breast Cancer Awareness month which kicks off in October!

The month offers a wide range of events to help raise money and awareness about a disease that affects nearly 1 in 8 women in the United States. These events are also a great time to celebrate and honor breast cancer survivors, remember the people we have lost, and share in the camaraderie of thousands of people with a shared goal of ending the disease that threatens the lives of so many we love.

Considering that in 2009, an estimated 192,370 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 40,170 women will die of the disease, it is important that we do what we can to support both survivors and the newly-diagnosed, as well as support programs and research to help prevent, detect, and cure breast cancer.

Whatever your style, New York is offering plenty of ways to get involved next month. Here's just a sampling:

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
October 18, 2009
The American Cancer Society's premier event to raise funds and awareness to fight breast cancer features noncompetitive walks ranging in distance from 3 to 5 miles. Sign up to walk as an individual or a team, or volunteer at the event by helping with registration and water stations. There is no minimum fundraising amount, though the more you raise, the more the American Cancer Society is able to invest in research, education, and policies that save lives.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
October 10-11, 2009
Walk up to 26.2 miles on Saturday and 13.1 miles on Sunday to support the ongoing search for a cure for breast cancer.

Susan G. Komen Virtual Race
Through October 31, 2009
Register for the virtual Komen NYC Race for the Cure and receive a race t-shirt and bib. Then start raising money from friends, family, and co-workers.

In the Family film screening at Cardozo School of Law
October 19, 2009
View the documentary about Joanna Rudnick (who will be in attendance at the screening) who took advantage of genetic testing and found she was positive for the BRCA mutation after being concerned about her family history of breast and ovarian cancer. The film documents Joanna’s own struggles and brings to the forefront a host of dilemmas that genetic testing presents.

2009 “Surviving to Thriving!” Breast Fest
October 26, 2009
Don Hill’s in SoHo will be hosting top burlesque, sword swallowing, cabaret, raffles, a dance troupe, food, desserts, and drinks. Buy your tickets here.

Be sure to take advantage of preventative screening and education services next month too!