Why a Pink Ribbon for Breast Cancer?
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was created in 1982 in honor of Susan Komen, a woman who had lost a three-year battle with breast cancer. The foundation, now called Susan G. Komen for the Cure, has become a significant organization in the worldwide fight against breast cancer.
History of the Ribbon
In 1990, the Susan G. Komen Foundation distributed a limited number of pink ribbons at its Race for the Cure event. The following year, the foundation provided a pink ribbon to every person who took part in its Race for the Cure event in New York City.
Acceptance as a National Symbol
In 1992, breast cancer survivor Charlotte Hayley sent out cards with peach-colored ribbons and asked people to wear them to bring more attention to cancer research. She turned down offers by "Self" magazine to use her ribbon idea for the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue that year. Instead, the Komen Foundation's ribbon was used for the issue, which brought the pink ribbon to the national symbol that it is today.
What the Ribbon Represents
The pink ribbon represents the strength of women around the world who have battled breast cancer. Wearing it shows support and solidarity in vowing to come together to find a cure for the disease, to help women currently in the struggle, and to encourage yearly breast exams for early detection.
Commercialism of the Ribbon
Buyers should beware that not all products with a pink ribbon are contributing toward breast cancer awareness. When buying pink ribbon products, it is smart to do a little research and confirm that part of the money you spend to purchase the product will go toward breast cancer causes.
Where to Buy Products
Visit Susan G. Komen's official online store (opening July 1, 2009) at http://ShopKomen.com to purchase items that will help the organization reach its goal of contributing more than $2 billion over the next 10 years for breast cancer issues.
Tags: Susan Komen, breast cancer, breast cancer, pink ribbon, Breast Cancer
