photo credit: Jenna Frase
The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. All month, people wear pink and participate in fundraisers to bring recognition to breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness month is a valuable time to support those going through the battle and to honor those who have experienced the disease. At the high school, there is always a pink out football game to bring awareness, and the student section leaders pass out ribbons for everyone to wear.
In 1992, pink ribbons were passed out to bring recognition to SELF magazine’s second annual Breast Cancer Awareness month issue, according to Chemocessories. This started the symbol of pink ribbons for breast cancer.
“The pink ribbon is the symbol of breast cancer awareness. It shows support and symbolizes hope,” sophomore Carter Gregorio said.
Gregorio has dedicated support because his mom had breast cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 before he was born.
There are many fundraising events that people can participate in for breast cancer awareness. Some of the local ones in Ohio are the Breast Cancer Awareness Masquerade Ball, Race for the Cure and Making Strides of Columbus.
“Every year I do the Race for the Cure with my family and friends,” Gregorio said.
Gregorio encourages others to do the Race for the Cure to support breast cancer. In 1985 Betty Ford, breast cancer survivor and former first lady, kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a week-long event, according to Brevard Health Alliance. Now, it has become a month-long event.
“Athletes can wear pink socks, pink warm-ups and pink ribbons in their hair during their games for breast cancer awareness,” Freshman soccer player Kenley Valot said.
Valot has been impacted by breast cancer because her aunt was diagnosed with the disease. Her aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, and it changed Valot’s perspective on the month of October.
Gregorio and Valot are just two students, of many, who have been affected by breast cancer. Use their encouragement to get involved with spreading awareness in our community. Whether it is wearing pink to a sports game, participating in fundraisers, or just telling others about breast cancer, every student can have an immense impact during Breast Cancer Awareness month.
