October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Think about where your money is going.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Not just for wearing pink.

Wow! Today is October 1st! Time really does fly. October has become widely known as Breast Cancer Awareness month and a time to wear pink and raise awareness. This is all well and good and I love pink just as much as the next person, but I caution you to think about where your hard-earned money is going this year. As we all know, a buck just doesn't go as far these days. Some charities may not be promoting your cause as much as you think they are. 

Look into an organization before donating.

Thinking about making a donation or looking for an organization to support? Go to Charity Navigator and do some research. They provide in-depth information on non-profits and their financials. I tend to favor organizations that are supporting research with a goal of finding a cure like The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Other organizations that directly help support cancer patients and their families are also important, like Pink Warrior Angels. It's not just about raising awareness, it's about making an impact! 

Ways to Support the Breast Cancer Community this October

There are many ways to support the cause this October and they don't all involve donating that hard earned cash! Check out these ideas for helping make an impact in your community.

1. Volunteer

There are many ways and places you can volunteer your time this October - or anytime really! Check with your local hospital or cancer center for volunteer opportunities. Search the web for organizations in your area looking for help or go to the Pink Warrior Angels website and fill out their contact form. There are countless ways, just do a quick Google or Facebook search for something in your area!

2. Help out a cancer patient you know

Unfortunately, we all probably know someone battling cancer these days. Whether it's a family member or friend, or someone at church, chances are someone in your circle has the dreaded C word. There are many ways to offer a helping hand to someone undergoing treatment. Offer to drive them to an appointment, pick up meds, take them a meal, or just sit and chat. If you're unsure what they need, contact a person close to them to see what they need. They will appreciate the offer! If you'd like to send them a gift, check out my list of Chemotherapy Must-Haves on Amazon!

3. Create your own fundraiser

Who me? Create a fundraiser? Why not??!! People love to support good causes. Choose an organization to donate your proceeds to and off you go. Hold a bake sale. Host a 5k. Throw a gala! The sky is the limit here. Partner with a local organization or some friends for help. You never know. It may become an annual event! Check out this list of 100 fundraising ideas!

4. Become an advocate for change

Use your voice to advocate for more cancer research, policy change, and important changes to insurance coverage.  Many insurance companies don't cover mammograms under 40 unless you're considered high risk. And in those cases, screenings often don't start until the age of 30. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 11% of all breast cancers occur in women under 45 and an estimated 26,393 of them will be diagnosed this year. While rare, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women ages 15 to 39. I have personally experienced push back from doctors not wanting to do additional screenings for me even though I have a history of cancer. Changes need to be made in the industry so we can catch the disease earlier and save lives. 

5. Directly support a patient

If you know someone fighting the battle, see how you can support them financially through monetary gifts, gift cards for food or gas, helping with child care or by hosting a benefit to help them with medical bills. Someone without insurance can quickly find themselves in a mountain of debt. Even those with insurance have deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses to pay. According to an article on WebMD, one study showed that 1 in 3 women found the cost of treatment to be more than expected and skipped doctor visits and medical care to save money. It's sad to think that lives are being put at risk because healthcare and insurance is so expensive! Anything and everything helps!

6. Last, but certainly not least, PRAY 

Praying for those battling, for the community, and for a cure is one of the best ways to offer support. You may not directly see an impact or think you are making a difference, but you are! Prayer works. I could feel the prayers flooding over me during my treatment. I know I had so many people offering their support. I've had people I didn't even personally know tell me they were praying for me because a family member put me on the prayer list at church. Make a prayer list and spend time with it each day. Add someone to your church's prayer list. If your church doesn't have one, start one! If you don't have a church, find one! Prayer opens doors to healing, peace, and opportunities to serve and support others. 

A final thought....

Take time this October to support the breast cancer community and pray for those affected by this disease. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. I personally know 4 women from my hometown that have recently been diagnosed and undergone treatment (not including myself and my best friend.) In a town of about 1,200 people, that's a pretty large number! So I will continue to advocate for a cure and help raise awareness so that I can keep my sisters (and brothers too!) healthy!