Currently on social media sites and in newspapers I have been seeing people, both breast cancer survivors and just supporters of breast cancer awareness, vent about the lack of solutions that Pinktober is really providing for the cause. Okay, so yes Pinktober is a very commercialized event where many producers sell merchandise that is pink just to make an extra buck. And yes everyone is asked to where pink clothes, or a pink ribbon, or go without a bra one day. And yes maybe none of these things donate money to research for a cure which is what is still desperately needed. Do I think there should be such sexualized shirts like, "Save Second Base," or a day where women feel they have to show their breasts by going braless? No, I think that some of those things are someone trying to use humor to accept this difficult event, but I also see how it can be insensitive to those who may have had to undergo deforming surgeries or mastectomies. And I agree that people should become knowledgeable on what organizations really donate towards the cause. But for the month of October, people are actually talking about breast cancer and bringing emotional support to those who have fought, are fighting, and may one day fight this battle. Emotional support might not be what is so important to survival for those battling breast cancer, and I understand those who are upset by the commercialization, but EVERTHING in today's society if seen as important becomes commercialized AND emotional support does help.
I watched helplessly as my mother, three years ago, fought like hell to kill this sickness that took over her body. And yes I wish and pray that some day soon a cure will be found so that others do not have to suffer through what my mother did. But as my mother underwent multiple surgeries and excruciating radiation and chemotherapy, I know for a fact that if our family had not had the emotional support from friends, family, and complete strangers we would not have made it through. And for one month during the year, no one looked at my bald mother in pink as if she was a freak or gave her a look of pity. Some may say, "no one looked at her like that ever," but they did. I became my mother's personal body guard and bull dog giving a stern look and a "what?!" I saw every time we went to the mall someone gawk at my mother's bald head and eyebrow-less face. A woman once whispered to her husband, "Why would she do that to herself?" Does anybody reading this think for one minute that my mother chose to have breast cancer? I sure as heck don't.
I see my mother as a hero everyday! Which is why I wear my "Imagine a world without breast cancer" bracelet that she gave every single hour of every day. But does me wearing this bracelet monetarily support the cause for awareness or research for a cure? No, and does it make me a bad person? No. I wear this bracelet because everyday it reminds me of the pain that my mom endured and the strength and grace she possesses. So please regardless of your opinion on the issue, do not make someone feel bad for supporting the cause by wearing a "silly pink ribbon," because for some it isn't just a silly pink ribbon.
