Breast cancer ribbon
Although, the Breast Cancer Ribbon is similar to an HIV AIDS ribbon, it has a pink shade. It is considered to be the international sign for the awareness related to breast cancer. It was Charlotte Hayley suffering from breast cancer, who began to produce peach colored ribbons. In those times, she used to sell those ribbons with a card, which used to provide awareness related to breast cancer. Her message spread rapidly. Subsequently, the new color of the ribbon was taken to be pink. Thereafter, pink became a worldwide symbol for breast cancer.
Each year, in the month of October, the breast cancer awareness month is organized. In these events, the people help raise money for breast cancer with the help of pink day or running theme parties. On such occasions, employees highlight the plight of breast cancer victims and thereby, raise money by wearing pink accessories or clothing during work. The amount thus raised is donated to a specific breast cancer research program.
Breast Cancer Campaigns:
The most popular pink day is named as wear it pink. This event is mostly organized by the Breast Cancer Campaign. In the year 2006 alone, the Breast cancer foundation helped in raising an amount to the tune of 3.5 million pounds in a single day. The year 2007 marks the sixth anniversary of its breast cancer campaign. The other popular breast cancer foundation is the In the Pink which helped in raising an amount of 0.8 million pounds in the year 2006.
Every October, hundreds of products get emblazoned with ribbons colored pink, which are sold with a small amount donated to research related to breast cancer or for breast cancer awareness. It was not until the year 1996, that the first awareness stamp related to breast cancer was released in the United States. It mainly featured a pink ribbon. Because the new stamp did not arouse much interest amongst the people, a new stamp with the same topic was released, this time emphasizing on the research aspect of breast cancer. The new stamp is devoid of the pink ribbon.
The Royal Canadian Mint of Canada minted a commemorative silver coin, especially for awareness related to Breast Cancer. As much as 15,000 coins got minted in 2006 alone. While one side of the coin features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, the other side of the coin displays a pink ribbon.
Breast Cancer Awareness:
The Breast Cancer Action, an organization based on San Francisco has renamed the Breast Cancer Industry Month campaign for giving emphasis to the treatment cost of breast cancer. The think before you pink campaign suggests people do more than just shopping. Breast Cancer Action, apart from spreading awareness about breast cancer also makes people think in relation to the minimal contributions made by the sponsors of breast cancer towards the disease. Some pink ribbon organizations such as Pink ribbon international aims to create a worldwide support community for providing information to specialists, families and patients with regards to breast cancer.
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