Crazy, Hazy, and Pink

Tribute to National Breast Cancer Awareness Month



October is many things to many people- to me it’s the month of pink. As many know, fighting for a cure for breast cancer is a cause very close to my heart. October is the month where I lay aside differences, perceptions, and judgments to join countless others to fight for a cure. I honor and respect those individuals who have had personal struggles with this disease. I celebrate the survivors. I fight for those whose lives were taken.

In years past I don’t think I’ve ever really recalled or noted just how much pink was everywhere during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). In fact, I don’t think I knew it was NBCAM until about three years ago. This year I seem to be much more aware of the awareness.

Just about anywhere during NBCAM people can find numerous products with pink ribbons signifying their support of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and pledging to fight for a cure. Store aisle are swarming with pink food and pink products many bearing the well recognized pink ribbon. In fact, even many NFL players are wearing pink cleats, sweatbands, gloves, and other sports equipment to show their support this October.



I’ve yet to really decide how I feel about the (over) commercialization of NBCAM. To so many, breast cancer last outside the calendar days of October. It’s an epic life event that’s impact never really goes away. My confliction lies in the fact that I’m sure the commercialization (for at least a majority) raises vital funds for research, mammograms, and treatment that couldn’t be received through direct donation from “normal” citizens. There is no doubt these funds are definitely important.

BUT…

Consumers are lead to believe they are supporting a really important cause by purchasing these pink ribbon products. They stock up on cleaners, chocolates, clogs, knives, auto parts, office supplies, clothing, and countless other items they may have never intended to buy because of the promise for a cure. Some companies put pink insignia on their products and yet there isn’t any fundraising or green going to fight breast cancer or any cause other than enlarging company profits.

In the month of crazy, hazy, and pink overload consumers are truly left to read the labels and decipher which products really are joining the fight. Here are some tips to help sort through the crazy pink haze of pink product buying-

1) If no specific information regarding how much the company is donating or where the money is going- it’s a good bet that the money isn’t going anywhere other than the company profit margin.

2) How much money from the purchase is going to be donated? Is this amount enough? Is it too little? Would donating to the organization of your choice be a better option?

3) Is there a capped amount the company is willing to donate? (I.e. once the company reaches the capped amount based on sales it doesn’t matter how much sales revenue is generated past that capped amount)

4) What organization is the money going to? What types of programs does this organization support (research, treatment, etc)

5) How are the funds being raised? Is your purchase enough? Will you have to follow-up with additional requirements and steps to make sure the money goes where it is said to go?


I believe donating to a cause is important- truthfully, I think giving back to society is important, regardless of how it’s done. When in doubt, I recommend donating directly to the organization of your choice. This way, ample opportunity is provided to research and ensure funds are being used for the things one is most passionate about. Whether that is vital research to determine the causes of breast cancer, other important research topics or treatment for under privilege women across America.

For me, the pink crazy haze of October is welcomed as a reminder to continue fighting for a cure.

“I will not rest until the race is won- until a cure is found.”






Some information used from:

Daily Finance
The Susan G. Komen Foundation
Think Before you Pink