Make a Difference During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Well, here we are everyone — halfway through Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

And, it’s not too late to join the cause — or find some way in which YOU can make a difference!

Understandably, not everyone is in a position to contribute financial aid to a favorite charity. So, let’s outline some of the other ways in which anyone can become engaged in meaningful giving that does not involve a monetary donation.

For starters, while money is a necessary factor in promoting and funding cancer research, every organization involved in fundraising also needs people to help dot the I and cross the T. In other words, volunteer your time! Every charitable organization and foundation from the American Cancer Society to your local women’s health clinic — can use an extra pair of hands. Make a call and ask about volunteer opportunities. Ask if they can use another person to man the phones in the office one day a week. Ask if they need a driver and car to transport women to and from chemotherapy. Ask if they need someone to grocery shop or walk dogs for women undergoing treatment. Ask if they need someone to file paperwork — or make coffee — or sweep the floors. For your time is the most valuable thing you can contribute and no gesture is too small!

And if you have even more time, think about participating in a fundraising run or walk. Of course, one of the leaders in this area is the Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure Walk. And the good thing about running or walking is that you can do this anytime of the year — it’s not just limited to October!

You might even think about hosting your own fundraiser. Perhaps you could organize a bake sale, or a car wash, or a cake walk, or a neighborhood coffee bar or lemonade stand. Invite local restaurants to hold a Taste of Italy ( or India, or France, or Mexico) or a Chocolate Desserts Galore Festival. You get the idea. Be creative and have fun! And, when your event is over, find a trustworthy local charity to whom you can donate the funds.

And always remember, you can SHOP! October is the perfect month to look for the PINK in all your favorite foods, housewares and clothing. Many products from cosmetics and hair products, to yogurt, to underwear and brassieres, to coffee, to bath towels donate a percentage of their sales during the month of October — and beyond — to cancer research. In fact, even the NFL has your favorite players wearing PINK items of clothing this month that later will be auctioned off — and one hundred percent of the proceeds will go to cancer charities!

So, join the fight! Find a way to become involved! For you too can make a difference!

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!