Breast Cancer Awareness

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: How Will You Become Involved?

While the month of October often brings thoughts of crisp air, evening bonfires, and trees changing colors, October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Right in your community, events and activities are going on to promote awareness of the disease, educate women about early symptoms and treatments, and raise funds to support ongoing efforts to find a cure. What can you do to become involved? You will find that there are many ways to become informed about breast cancer and its effects, to raise money for educational efforts, and occasions to volunteer locally.

Become Informed

One of the quickest ways to become informed about breast cancer and its effects and treatments is to search for information online. One resource that provides a downloadable guide to knowing breast cancer symptoms is provided by the National Breast Cancer Foundation. As well, the American Cancer Society also provides a variety of specific information about breast cancer ranging from risks and prevention to living as a cancer survivor. See https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer.html for links and downloadable information. Or if you prefer, visit your local chapter of the American Cancer Society or other local breast cancer foundations to pick up — and share — printed resources to inform yourself and others about breast cancer.

Raise Money

While fundraising may sound like a big responsibility, it can actually be fun, involve your friends and family, and make a big difference in the fight against breast cancer. What can one person do? Using social media to contact friends makes fundraising easier than in the past. Posting messages about breast cancer education and treatment programs along with a link to donate is one way to begin raising money. Another way is to register to walk in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. All individual walkers can form or join teams, where team members collectively raise money for breast cancer programs and research through their sponsorships. Likewise, businesses can involve their employees in group fundraising efforts, as can student groups and sports teams.

Volunteer

Besides fundraising efforts in support of breast cancer treatment and education, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities to become directly involved in helping the people and families who are affected by breast cancer. If you or someone you know has been touched by breast cancer, you can share your personal stories through the American Cancer Society’s “Reach to Recovery” program, or other similar programs that offer emotional support. Additionally, local breast cancer resource centers, foundation offices, and medical facilities that support and treat breast cancer patients and survivors often need volunteers to coordinate mailings, make phone calls, or provide transportation. Research online and use social media to find local specific volunteer opportunities.

Become informed, raise money, or volunteer:  How will you be involved in this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities? As you decide, remember that Community Care Ambulance works hard to deliver superior service and quality care through our professional and compassionate workforce. Call or click today to learn more about our emergency and non-emergency services: 440-992-7302 or https://www.ccan.org.