UPDATE: Think Pink: Support Breast Cancer Awareness in Your Community

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, motorcross and motorcycle rides and concerts.

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.

And in South Carolina, "Pinktober" is underway.

In Columbia on Friday, Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin hosted the annual Isabel Law Breast Cancer Awareness Breakfast. Proceeds from the $7-ticket event benefited Bosom Buddies, an organization that helps women who are in need of mastectomy camisole or other post-surgical needs.

On Saturday, the 21st anniversary of Walk for Life and the second running of the 5K Race for Life will be held at Finlay Park in Columbia. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. Online registration, $25 per person, is available now at palmettohealthfoundation.org or register at the event for $30.

In the Upstate, Studio SI located at University Square Shopping Center, Greenville, is holding a Zumba dance party with 100 percent of the proceeds to benefit Susan G. Komen will be held from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $10 to party. Pink hair extensions and feathers will also be available on-site.

In Charleston, party like a rock star and raise money for breast cancer awareness at Rockers4Knockers. The doors open at 6 p.m. at the Bus Shed Downtown Charleston (The Visitors Center). The band will start at 7 p.m. Cost is $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Other events in South Carolina this month:

MIDLANDS
Oct. 4 — The RMC Foundation wants the community to think pink - the color symbolizing breast cancer awareness - during its seventh annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon, set for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, at The Cinema.

Oct. 8 — S.C. Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser — Miss Orangeburg Fair Pageant at the Orangeburg County Fair — begins at noon.

Oct. 11 — Women's Night Out — Lexington Medical Center will host the annual event at the Embassy Suites hotel on Greystone Boulevard in Columbia. The event features a silent auction, physician exhibits, makeup demonstrations, signature cocktail, fashion show by Belk featuring breast cancer survivors, and a dinner and talk with a keynote speaker. Proceeds from Women’s Night Out benefit the Crystal Smith Fund, a program through the Lexington Medical Center Foundation that helps women undergoing cancer treatment purchase needed supplies.  Tickets are $35. Exhibits and the silent auction begin at 5:00 p.m.  Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.  You can purchase tickets by calling 803-791-2445.

UPSTATE
Oct. 8 — Reedy Fork Baptist Church, 3115 Fork Shoals Road, Simpsonville, will sponsor a breast cancer program. A “Walk for Healing” will begin at 8 a.m. at Heritage Park. The afternoon program will start at 3 p.m. in the church Family Life Center. The theme is: “Shades of Pink: Modeled Stories of God In Survival.” Dr. Shirnett Matthews of the Cancer Center of the Carolinas will facilitate.

Oct. 13  — A Night Out for Every Woman — 6 to 8 p.m., at The Davenport, 230 Trade Street, Greer. Dress in pink. To register, call 1-877-GHS-INFO (447-4636) or click here.

Oct. 18 — Breast Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know — 12:15-1:15 p.m. at Greenville Memorial Hospital. Bring your lunch and join Dr. Brian McKinley, a surgical oncologist with Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center, for an informal discussion on breast health. Free; registration required. To register, call 1-877-GHS-INFO (447-4636) or visit ghs.org/360healthed.

Oct. 21 — Zumba for the Cure: Party In Pin Zumbathon Charity Event, sponsored by the City of Mauldin, Mauldin Sports Center and Recreation Department at The Mauldin Sports Center Gymnasium, 10 City Center Drive. $5.00 tickets in advance, $10.00 at the door. Proceeds benefit Susan G Komen/Cancer research. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and the ZUMBATHON begins at 6 p.m. Donors will be given tickets for a chance to win logo pink ribbon apparel, Zumbawear, One month Mauldin Sports Center membership. For more email Jennifer Edwins at jedwins@mauldinrecreation.com.

Oct. 30 — Pink Sunday —  local churches will educate their congregations on breast health and breast cancer. Breast health information packets will be provided to participating churches. Churches may celebrate Pink Sunday in many ways, including celebrating survivors in their congregation as well as honoring those who have lost their battle. Participants wear pink to commemorate the day. Last year, over 400 churches participated and over 60,000 breast health information packets were distributed. Church officials should contact Susan G. Komen to participate.

THE COAST
Oct. 8 — Rockin' the Pink, S.C. — Bluffton Fire Fighters Auxillary Breast Cancer Walk beginning at 12 p.m.

Oct. 15 — Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure, Daniel Island. More information, call 843-556-3343 or email race@komenlowcountry.org

Oct. 15 — Wacoal Fit for the Cure, Macy's Willowbrook Mall Event on Daniel Island. For information, call 843-556-8011 or email: race@komenlowcountry.org

Oct. 23 — Pink Sunday , a community outreach program for breast health and breast cancer awareness open to all faith-based organizations and community based non-profits within our 17 county service area. For more information click here.


SPECIAL NOTE TO READERS
 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!