The Hunt for Pink October—All Year Long

To say that breast cancer is an awful disease is an understatement. To say that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is awe-inspiring doesn’t begin to do it justice. Every October, I am moved to see the world turn pink in support of breast cancer awareness, from pink ribbons to pink products to pink t-shirted families and friends walking to support those they love.

And despite my stereotypical New York obsession with all things black, I happen to love pink—all year long. There are pink shelves in my study, I wear pink peasant blouses in summer, and my oh-so-necessary morning caffeine fix comes from the pink espresso maker in my kitchen. So, it occurred to me that the push to go pink and support breast cancer charities by buying products and making donations shouldn’t be relegated to October. Breast cancer is a disease that strikes 12 months of the year.

I am humbled by the bravery of the women I love, who have battled, survived, and sometimes lost their lives to breast cancer—and by the bravery of their husbands, children, parents, relatives, and friends, who nursed them through heart-wrenching diagnoses, painful treatments, and nail-biting follow-up. Through their worst moments, they showed us that life goes on, with hope, with humor, with a fierce determination I dare anyone to match.

To Susanne, Lynette , Teddi, Gaby, Helen . . .

This is my big pink kiss to all of you, and my sincerest hope that one day—and it can’t be soon enough—no one else will have to be brave like you.

So whether it’s October, or November, or next July, please support the many amazing organizations dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. Two, which are close to my heart:

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Young Survival Coalition

—Nancy Rotenier