Why a pink ribbon?

How did the pink ribbon come to be the symbol of breast cancer awareness? According to the Library of Congress Folklife Center, awareness ribbons were first displayed by families of missing Civil War soldiers.  They were more recently used as a sign of support for American hostages seized in Iran in 1979, during the First Gulf War, and to raise awareness about AIDS.

In 1991, Charlotte Haley, of Simi Valley, CA, created a peach-colored ribbon to help raise awareness for breast cancer, which afflicted both her grandmother and daughter. She handed out the ribbons at her local supermarket with the note “The National Cancer Institute’s annual budget is $1.8 billion; only 5% goes for cancer prevention. Help us wake up legislators and America by wearing this ribbon.”

Susan G. Komen Foundation states that it began handing out pink ribbons at its first Race for the Cure in October 1991. SELF Magazine featured the ribbon on its October cover and partnered with Evelyn Lauder to hand out 1.5 million ribbons at Estee Lauder makeup counters.

Pink ribbons are everywhere during National Breast Cancer month. A lot of money is raised to support breast cancer awareness and research and organizations that directly serve individuals with breast cancer and their families. You have many choices as to where you give your financial support.

Shades of Pink Foundation’s mission is to reduce financial stress for those in Southeast Michigan undergoing breast cancer treatment by providing prompt funding for daily living expenses. We are gratified by the support we have received for 17 years and pledge to continue to be good stewards of your trust and support. Please consider making a donation at:

https://www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org/take-action

Source:  Time Magazine