Think Pink: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
BY KIM THOMAS
It was 1973 when I gave birth for the first time and became acutely aware of how important healthcare issues are for women.
The POWs were coming home from VietNam, the ERA had been defeated, and Pink was definitely not in. Fashion designers were quietly eschewing the pinkish hues. No pink wedding bridesmaids or prom gowns were to be found at Pogue’s or Shillito’s — unless it was hot pink…and paisley. Back then, the color pink denoted a perceived subservience to the Establishment. Pink blouses, bikinis and decor were not found in respectable closets, businesses, kitchens, or boudoirs.
Eventually, as we all know, times changed and before we could say Molly Ringwald, pink was once again popular with every Boo, Barbie and BabyGirl in the nation.
Today, mention the words “Think Pink,” and everyone instantly associates it with ribbons worn to advocate breast cancer research. Paint and nail polish and other mixologists in town are consistently asked to create items in the signature Susan Komen Pink color. Cosmetologists acquiesce to requests for polish or hair color that matches the pink ribbons. Jamberry Nail Wraps made by DaniZ are purchased with the knowledge that $5 of each sale will go to breast cancer research. Black-tie bartenders are given pink bow-ties to wear.
Yes, ma’am (or Yes, Mamm if you prefer), pink is everywhere…and all this is to remind folks it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this lovely autumnal October, when we watch for pumpkin spice lattes to keep us feisty for the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland and UK’s wins over SEC football teams. (Go Cats!)
October is the time to wear pink and shop pink when it means supporting research and awareness. You don’t have to walk 500 miles, but you can definitely buy a $5 tumbler or if an establishment serves Pink Squirrels for the cause, order one and raise a glass to benefit and cheer on this important cause. Use the color to talk about and emphasize the importance of early detection and how many resources are available to ensure mammograms are easily provided. Share your stories of friends and loved ones who’ve fought this battle.
“Think Pink” awareness is more than research; it can also involve providing free mammograms to women who may have never had one. In Kentucky, that is sadly more likely than we’d like to think. First Lady Jane Beshear’s Horses and Hope Cancer Screening van has managed to improve those statistics, especially among the women who work in the horse industry. [Read about their success in the January 2015 issue at hamburgjournal.com]. Mrs. Beshear is once again pairing up with Keeneland to host Pink Days and highlight the importance of broadening the education of this important health concern.
Pink-ribbon nail-wrap ear-bob pink-attired folks might also serve as a visual reminder to everyone to follow their doctors’ advice about self examination, family history and its impact on breast cancer, including MEN. It is possible, it has happened, so if you’re a fella, and you have a breast lump or other concern, ask your doctor about it, especially if your Mom or Sister or Pop had breast cancer.
So, you have your pink suit or pink tie picked out for Keeneland’s Pink Days to support cancer screenings, but looking for more you can do?
Take the thoughts of awareness and prevention with you every day, for all types of cancers, know the signs, know what to tell your doctor, what questions to ask your moms and aunts and sisters.
Breast cancer can be successfully treated; it has been and will continue to be, but not if we hide our hope. We have to embrace our health; ask your medical professional to check out anything askew.
St. Joseph is hosting its first annual YES MAMM event this year. The emcee is Amber Philpott. Diana Boyer, the Director of Major Gifts at the St. Joseph Foundation, is quick to credit Philpott’s willingness to assist the community in connecting with the Think Pink resources. “Amber has been an amazing advocate on promoting breast cancer awareness throughout the Commonwealth. We would love to have hundreds of racers and walkers sign up for our inaugural 5K on October 17!”
“The bottom line is that the Yes, Mamm! program was created to remove barriers for women and men to have an annual mammogram. Simple enough. We heard stories of women foregoing mammography because of co-pays or high deductibles – or absolutely no insurance coverage of any kind. When women had to choose between a $50 deductible or buying groceries for their family – many were choosing to feed their families instead of getting this important screening. We thought that was unacceptable at Saint Joe’s.”
Boyer adds, “Fewer sources were available for these patients to go. Health Departments were no longer offering this service and we had a huge outpouring when approached by the Kentucky CancerLink (formerly the Kentucky Pink Connection). Annually we serve 500 women and men. Mammography and the Yes, Mamm! program are now offered in Lexington, Berea, Nicholasville, Mt. Sterling and London. Komen has been our biggest supporter – but the need is greater than the funds – thus the 5K. We needed to raise additional funds to serve more; and this is an annual test – so we don’t want the momentum to stop!”
Boyer emphasizes that every penny raised at the 5K will remain here to help the fight. “The late RJ Corman’s last gift to the cause before he died was to create the Sandra J. Adams Digital Mammography Suite at Saint Joseph Jessamine. When our friends at RJ Corman offered to sponsor the race on their beautiful property, we were humbled and appreciative. It will be a first class race. Hot food, racing shirts for all who finish, medal for all who finish, homemade ice cream, refreshments, cash prizes, door prizes and so much more! Plus Sam Dick and Amber Philpot!”
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This story also appears on pages 10-12 of the October 2015 print edition of the Hamburg Journal.
