Put on Your Pink Bra and Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Breast cancer statistics in Florida are staggering. More than 15,500 women in the state will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and about 2,600 will succumb to the disease. In fact, Florida ranks third in the nation for breast cancer incidence and second in mortality.
So, what can you do to fight back against breast cancer in Florida? It all starts with a pink bra.
Join the American Cancer Society on October 20 to “Put On Your Pink Bra” during the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk in celebration of those who have defeated breast cancer, to educate the public about ways to detect symptoms and fund research, and empower communities to join the fight.
This is the second year the American Cancer Society’s Florida Division is celebrating with the “Put On Your Pink Bra” campaign, empowering people across Florida to wear pink bras in support of the fight against breast cancer and as a personal symbol of their breast cancer journey or that of a loved one. During the Making Strides events, a sea of over 8,000 participants in pink bras will join together and fundraise to take up arms against the disease.
Funds raised through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer support the American Cancer Society’s mission of saving lives and creating more birthdays by helping people get well and stay well. In fact, a dollar invested in the American Cancer Society does more for the fight against breast cancer than any other organization.
This year, the Making Strides event will take place at the Space Coast Stadium in Viera; registration starts at 7 a.m. To register your Making Strides Against Breast Cancer team, visit putonyourpinkbra.com.
Carol’s Story: Behind the Bra
For Carol Roberts, the fight against breast cancer means making sure her future grandchildren and nieces never have to hear the words “You have cancer.” A little over two years ago, Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“When I was first diagnosed, I went through every emotion, but mostly shock,” said Carol. “I had already had Hodgkin’s?? Lymphoma twice and I thought I was done with the big “C” word. I had just been laid off a week earlier and my divorce hadn’t even been official for a year.”
“After calling the American Cancer Society and doing my own research, I decided to have a double mastectomy in order to rid my body of cancerous cells. Facing reconstruction was different. The other two times I had cancer I couldn’t “look at it.” I had to wrap my head around this, as this was all new to me. My breasts were my identity as a woman. I had lost my hair twice before, but losing my breasts was a whole new journey.”
Carol became involved with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer as a breast cancer survivor two years ago for the first time. In previous years, “I went to support the cause, not knowing I would soon be walking for me.” She is now the Team Captain for the team “Carol’s Hope.”
Carol can’t wait to attend the walk this year and see all the people that come out and support the cause. “Last year there were men in bras, kids in bras – there were just a whole lot of pink bras! I wear my pink bra as a testament of the journey that I am on as a breast cancer survivor. I want to show that my pink bra stands for strength, support, and love. I wear it to tell my story and speak for all those who have gone before me.
I can’t wait to see how everyone expresses themselves with their decorated pink bras,” said Carol. “It’s going to be incredible to see how the community supports our sisterhood of survivors. I’m telling everyone to ‘Put On Your Pink Bra’ for the event.”
Carol also spreads the word about the lifesaving programs and services the American Cancer Society offers right here in Brevard. During her breast cancer diagnosis, Carol was mentored by another breast cancer survivor through the Reach to Recovery program. She also benefited from the Cancer Survivors Network, an online community for cancer survivors, caregivers and friends to connect and share their experiences. Just as importantly, funds raised at Making Strides support breast cancer research.
Today Carol is cancer-free and credits her survival to early detection. She says it best “I am fifty-one years old, I have new hair, new breasts, and another 100,000 miles on this old jalopy!”
“I’m proud to share that I’m a survivor and I want people to hear my story so they will get their mammograms,” said Carol. “Early detection is the key to survival. The more we talk about it and support Making Strides to spread the word, the more lives we will save.”
A message from the Event Chair
We hope to see you at Brevard’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Saturday, October 20 at Space Coast Stadium. When you “Put On Your Pink Bra,” you are empowered to fight back against breast cancer. Your pink bra symbolizes your personal breast cancer journey or that of a loved one. We will be honoring all the breast cancer survivors at the event and remembering those that lost their battle. Form your team today online and start fundraising in support of lifesaving breast cancer research, education and patient services through the American Cancer Society. I am proud to serve as event chair and we can make a difference by coming together united as one.
Stephanie Haridopolos, M.D.
Vitas Pink Premier Sponsor
Join VITAS Innovative Hospice Care in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Ten years, thousands of families, countless success stories, and a world of difference. That has been the experience of VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Brevard since 2002, when they began providing end-of-life care in the county. During that time, they have had the privilege of collaborating with organizations like the American Cancer Society (ACS), which are a vital part of their healthcare mission.
This year in Brevard, VITAS serves as the Pink Premier Sponsor of the ACS’ annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Saturday, October 20 and helps salute those touched by the disease and work to raise awareness and money to find cures and implement much-needed programs and services.
This marks the 10th anniversary of the partnership with the ACS, sponsoring events and providing support groups and educational programs for its constituents. Indeed, as the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care since 1978, the work with ACS and other organizations helps fulfill their mission of ensuring that everyone who qualifies can access high-quality end-of-life care. This commitment includes caring for patients who don’t have the means to pay for hospice care. Last year alone, VITAS provided $10 million in charity care.
In the spirit of giving back, please join VITAS, ACS and the Brevard community at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
For more information about VITAS, visit www.vitas.com/florida or call 1-800-41-VITAS.