If only the feeling could last forever.
During the summer, people were amazed with the popularity of the “Ice Bucket Challenge.” The fundraising campaign for ALS, also named Lou Gehrig’s disease, a neurological disorder, challenged people to either donate for the cure and treatment or to dump a bucket of ice on their head, simulating the feeling of ALS. Facebook, Instagram and other social media outlets exploded with the Ice Bucket Challenge by August and even got the attention of celebrities and national figures.
In total, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge raised over $100 million for the campaign, helping thousands get much needed aid and probably putting the reality of a cure into a possible future.
The Ice Bucket Challenge did well in its campaign and probably achieved its goal; however, the challenge has long since been over, and no one is doing the Ice Bucket Challenge anymore.
When it comes to October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has perfected the art of fundraising and campaigning for the cure. By becoming an annual series of events, breast cancer awareness groups have a steady flow of donations and cognizance in the media at least once a year. The campaign has diffused through the month of October – Power of Pink stretches itself to even reach high school athletes’ shoelaces and pizza boxes even turn pink (Hungry Howie’s, anyone?).
Breast Cancer Awareness Month did not happen overnight. Forged by survivors, philanthropists, men, women, friends and family of victims, celebrities, doctors and pretty much anyone else from any other walk of life, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is stunning in its reach. Ten years ago, would high school-aged girls know to do self-check breast exams? Would women without hair be gawked at in public with questioning looks? Would boys wear pink so proudly?
There are many people to thank for the awareness campaign that is October. But there’s no better way to thank them than to support them in October and well past the fall – does breast cancer not retain relevance in January? It does, and it should be just as readily spoken about.
Until the day there is a cure, until the day people don’t have to worry their relatives and friends will fall victim to cancer, awareness campaigns retain extreme relevance. It doesn’t have to be a big commitment or volunteerism – it just needs to be support. Wearing pink, attending a Power of Pink event, buying a small ribbon – all these things contribute to the bigger picture: the world without breast cancer.
