The pink ribbon is the official symbol and color of breast cancer awareness. Adopted in 1992 after Susan G. Komen for the Cure handed out pink ribbons during its annual breast cancer awareness race. Originally derived from the AIDS awareness red ribbon, the pink color was a natural choice to symbolize the cause against a cancer that targets women almost exclusively. Breast cancer can occur in men as well, which is symbolized by a pink and blue ribbon.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and during this month, pink is everywhere. It will be worn, illuminated, covered with, and projected on people, places and things all over the world. The most common show of support for the cause is to wear pink. Some offices or groups hold pink theme days in honor of the cause.
Many retailers have taken up the theme by offering a hand picked selection of pink items to purchase in order to raise funds. Fortunoff fine jewelry is holding a "Power of Pink" sale where portions of proceeds will go to benefit breast cancer research.
Recently launched flash site, Ruby Wallet has also taken the pink ribbon to heart and has incorporated it into their online masthead while also offering special pink styles.
Do your part this October and give what you can to further breast cancer research. So many of us are affected by breast cancer even if the connection is separated by a few degrees. We are in this fight together!
There are various organizations to contribute to directly.
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Breast Cancer Action
Join the cause, save a life.