Everybody has seen the pink ribbons in October and most people understand the importance of this symbol. However, you may not know the origin and goals behind it — and you might not understand just how many fundraisers happened around you in Philadelphia this year!
Geno’s has been a huge supporter of this initiative over the years, so read on for more information.
The History of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness started in 1985 as a collaboration between the pharmaceutical sector of Imperial Chemical Industries and the American Cancer Society. Originally, it was a week-long event kickstarted by Betty Ford, who survived breast cancer while her husband, Gerald Ford, was president of the USA.
The initial goal of the BCAM was to increase women’s knowledge of this type of cancer and emphasize the importance of early detection. Mainly, they sought to promote mammograms to fight fatal breast cancer.
To do this, breast cancer survivors and those with current diagnoses were invited to share their stories to encourage people to raise funds necessary for research and other relevant causes.
When Did The Pink Ribbon Appear?
Estée Lauder cosmetics ran the first nationwide campaign using the iconic pink ribbon. They handed out approximately 1.5 million ribbons during this, and thus, it became the overarching visual of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Philadelphia’s 2021 Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraising Events
In addition to the Home of The Best Cheesesteak in Philly, this year, businesses across Philadelphia did their utmost to raise funds for BCAM. Here’s what happened:
#1 Self-Care ; Self-Aware
Lumos Yoga; Barre offered their virtual yoga class with a twist to fundraise and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
It started with an empowering yet relaxing vinyasa flow class and finished with a breast self-examination and information segment by Dr. Dana Shanis, a Board-Certified gynecologist.
So, how did they raise money? Well, it was a donation-based class, with all proceeds going toward Living Beyond Breast Cancer.
#2 Ta Ta for Now
Ta Ta for Now brought Philadelphians out in flocks this October! The oh-so-beautiful sunset cruise with a fashionable dress code (dress to impress or go full-on Captain Jack Sparrow) took off at 5 pm on October 23 and returned at 8 pm.
Ben Franklin Yacht aimed to raise more than $10,000 to donate to Breastcancer.org. Tickets were of exceptional value at $85, with all profits, of course, going toward BCAM. And if you couldn’t make it, no problem! You could still donate as much or as little as you could via their website.
#3 Tour de City Fitness
If sunset cruises made you queasy, you had the option to head to the City Fitness X YSC Tour de Pink breast cancer awareness bike ride. All the funds they raised went straight to the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), which supports and educates all young people affected by breast cancer.
Three City Fitness locations took part in the event across Philadelphia, including East Market, Fishtown, and Logan Square. They opened the event for everyone, member or otherwise, and the bike ride took place on October 17 from 12 pm to 1 pm.
#4 Sistahs of NCNW Virtual Breast Cancer Walk
Alongside all of these fabulous fundraisers, the Sistahs of NCNW Virtual Breast Cancer Walk took place, where people were encouraged to walk three miles wearing pink. The inclusive event allowed people to participate with the masses walking across Benjamin Franklin Bridge on October 16 or walking the distance alone.
Ticket prices varied, depending on whether you purchased an event sweatshirt or not. But all proceeds went straight to help fight and educate others about breast cancer.
Did You Do Your Bit?
It’s never too late to join the fight against breast cancer. So if you didn’t manage to get involved this past October, why not donate something now?
