Events Commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The White House got a pink glow in Washington, DC. People painted their pumpkins pink in Calvert, MD, and women donated art made of bras in Orange City, FL. 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, NY, 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, motocross and motorcycle rides and concerts.

The Komen Maryland Race for the Cure will take place in Hunt Valley on Oct. 23. Interested participants can register for the 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk by Oct. 5 in order receive a free t-shirt mailed to them. You can still register after this date.

Emily Meoli, a four-year breast cancer survivor, started the to raise money for Komen Maryland. This year, the event will take place on Oct. 1 at in Towson from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be more than 30 vendors and crafters, kids activities, giveaways and food.

Towson will also play host to Loch Raven Skeet & Trap's Center's 1st Annual Shoot for the Cure. The shooting range will have staff and volunteers instructing participant. The event, which starts at 10 a.m. on Oct. 1 and 2, will also give away prizes such as gift cards to local restaurants and Under Armour Power in Pink gear. Fifty percent of entry fees will benefit Komen MD.

A Winter Park, FL, hospital is raising money for the cause by selling pink plastic flamingos, which are popping up in yards all over town. An exhibit in Illinois is spotlighting survivors and family members through visual art.

And, of course, let’s not forget the high heel races going on around the world in support of breast cancer awareness, like the Stiletto Stampede for the Cure in Houston.

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!