Each year, nearly 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, after lung cancer. Although there have been significant strides in the fight against breast cancer, 1 in 8 women will get the disease, and continuous work still needs to be done to eliminate it as a public health problem.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) has raised $3.5 million to support cancer research at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. The funds stay in Alabama and are instrumental in securing and sustaining research grants, recruiting and retaining world-class scientists, and developing facilities that conduct distinct research.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the BCRFA and other organizations are hosting several local events:
All month: Black-Out Breast Cancer, Pink Ribbon Project – Throughout October, participating fire departments will be selling awareness T-shirts statewide. Visit bcrfa.org for information on where to purchase T-shirts.
Saturday, Oct. 6: “In the Pink” at Pepper Place – Pepper Place will be celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month with cooking demonstrations, fresh produce, artisan cheeses and breads as well as special products and art for breast cancer survivors from 7 a.m.-noon. The event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, Oct. 6: New Light support group meeting – This support group, specifically geared for triple negative breast cancer patients and their families, will have a special outdoor meeting featuring plastic surgeon R. Jobe Fix, M.D. The event is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Homewood Park, 1632 Oxmoor Rd.; registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided. To RSVP, contact Kimberly Robinson at 205-975-7912. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Sunday, Oct. 7: GO PINK at The Summit – The Summit kicks off a month of GO PINK events at 2 p.m. at Saks Plaza.
Saturday, Oct. 13: Uncorked! On The Green – The community of Ross Bridge in Hoover will host a craft beer and wine tasting event from 12-5 p.m. The event will feature live music on two stages, sampling of featured menu items from local restaurants and kids activities. Portions of the event will be donated to BCRFA.
Sunday, Oct. 14: 7th Annual Pink Private Shopping Night – Attend an evening of private shopping at Belk 6:30-9 p.m., with live entertainment, Kathy G & Company catering, door prizes and more. Tickets are $25. To purchase tickets, contact the BCRFA office at (205) 996-5436 or email jgalbrea@uab.edu.
Monday, Oct. 15-Friday, Oct. 19: GO PINK at The Summit, Restaurant Week – Restaurants including California Pizza Kitchen, Panera, Pinkberry, Zoe’s and more will be donating portions of their weekly sales to the BCRFA. For a full list of participating restaurants, visit bcrfa.org.
Friday, Oct. 19: Angel Squad at Jim ’N Nicks – On National Mammography Day, members of the Angel Squad will available at participating Jim ’N Nicks restaurants to educate the public on the importance of early detection through mammograms. The volunteers will distribute informational brochures, pink ribbons and gifts throughout the day. The Angel Squad partners with groups and organizations throughout the community to promote breast cancer awareness and raise funds for patient services at UAB.
Saturday, Oct. 20: Komen Race for the Cure - The annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure will feature a 5K run or fitness walk for teams or individuals at Linn Park, 710 20th St. North.
Saturday, Oct. 20: 4th Annual Revvin’ 4 Research – The Dixie Divas Riding Club will host its 4th annual motorcycle riding event from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The charity ride will begin at Heart of Dixie-Harley Davidson in Pelham and end at Courtyard 25 in Vandiver, AL.
Monday, Oct. 29: Gus Mayer Goes Pink/Spring Fashion Show Featuring Misha NoNoo – A mix-and-mingle will open the event at 6 p.m., followed by the 2013 Spring Fashion Show featuring designer Misha NoNoo. Limited tickets for the event are available by contacting Gus Mayer at 205-870-3300 or BCRFA at 205-996-5463.