Two Causes, One Mission—Bringing Hope to Women

Every October, pink and purple ribbons can be found on lapels and packaging of all sorts of consumer goods. More than colorful decorations, these ribbons promote the awareness of two life-threatening assailants of women.

Pink ribbons signify the fight against breast cancer—a disease that, according to the American Cancer Society, is estimated to be diagnosed in 192,370 women and to kill more than 40,000 women in 2009 alone. As the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, breast cancer affects women of all ages.

Purple ribbons are donned to bring about awareness of another type of tragedy: domestic violence. Because domestic violence is often hidden, it is difficult to accurately estimate the number of people impacted by this crime. Estimates range from one in 10 to four in 10, but, regardless of the actual number of individuals who experience the brunt of physical or emotional abuse, the fact remains that even one person is too many.

It’s likely there are women in your circle who have been affected by breast cancer and-or domestic violence. This month, we encourage you to educate yourself. Do monthly self-exams, and if you’re 35 or older, be sure to get an annual mammogram. Learn how you can reach out to a friend or family member who may be in a dangerous domestic situation. October is when the nation takes note of breast cancer and domestic violence, but, remember, these threats and the need for research and assistance exist year-round.

Below are a few ways you can show your support.

Eat Sweet, Give Pink
Hershey’s teamed up for the fifth-consecutive year with Young Survival Coalition (YSC) to promote awareness of how this disease impacts young women. In addition to in-store displays featuring real women 40 and under who have survived breast cancer, and through its Bliss brand (decked out this month in a limited-edition pink label), Hershey’s is donating $300,000 to YSC. Additionally, the annual company-sponsored Tour de Pink (held Oct. 2–5, 2009) helped YSC raise more than $472,000. Even if you missed the four-day ride, you can still support YSC’s mission to educate young women and promote action, advocacy and awareness by clicking on the donate” tab at YoungSurvival.org.

The Purr-fect Way to Connect
Purina Cat Chow is partnering with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to raise money while offering hope through inspiring stories and images. The company is donating $1 for each visitor who takes a breast cancer quiz or uploads a photo to the Connected for the Cause mosaic at pink.catchow.com.

Educate Yourself
To learn more about breast cancer, visit National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Support Your Local Women’s Shelter
Domestic violence is an international problem, but you don’t have to look farther than your hometown to find women and families who are hurting as a result of this crime. Make a difference for women in your community by partnering with a local women’s shelter. As nonprofit organizations, shelters are always in need of volunteers as well as financial and “in kind” donations.

Women and children who escape to shelters often need everything, from clothing and toiletries to household basics and cell phones and cars. And because many of these women have to make a new start financially as well as emotionally, they need clothing appropriate for job interviews. Some need job training; others simply need someone to listen to them.

For more information about domestic violence, go to National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. To find a shelter in your area, visit WomensHealth.gov.

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