October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is breast cancer awareness month and I think it is safe to say that each of our lives have been touched by the effects of cancer. It has been a couple of years since we lost a dear friend to breast cancer. Her mission in life was to inspire women and girls to see the beauty that was in them. She would challenge each of us to say every day, “I am a beautiful young woman.” Her love inspired many. This amazing woman was taken way too soon–at age 56. She left four boys to be without her constant care.
I often think about the fact that life as we know it can change in a single instant. None of us know when our lives could be directly affected and we must live every moment as the gift it is. Hearing about the fight of so many mothers out there, I have found a greater desire to do my part in this hope for the future, hope for a cure.
This month, share with your children a story of someone in your life who has been affected by cancer and take an evening to make a pink ribbon for each of your family members. You can have them pinned on your coats or backpacks. Let them know that something as simple as showing support can make a difference; awareness is power and kids can have a powerful influence for good. Wear your pink ribbon and spread the message of hope.
Once you choose hope, anything’s possible. ~Christopher Reeve
Make a Pink Breast Cancer Ribbon Lapel Pin
The pink ribbon lapel pin has become a powerful symbol to increase awareness about breast cancer, and it’s easy to make for yourself and your friends. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, and throughout the year, people wear pink ribbons to honor survivors, remember those lost to the disease, and to support the progress we are making together to defeat breast cancer. We encourage you to wear a pink ribbon throughout the month of October and join us in the fight against breast cancer. Follow the directions below to make your own pink ribbon lapel pin; no sewing required. Finished size: 1½” by 5/8″.
You will need:
• Three inches of pink ribbon, a quarter-inch wide.
• One small safety pin
• Needle and small length of pink thread (optional)
Options to attach to a lapel:
• The small safety pin used above
• Double stick tape
Directions:
Cut a three-inch length of ribbon, snipping both ends at an angle. Lay the ribbon out horizontally with the shorter edge on top. Hold down the ribbon’s midpoint. Grasp the left end and fold so it points down and slightly across the midpoint. The fold can be a soft curve or a crisp line.
Fold the right end in the same way so the ribbon crosses itself about a half inch below the fold.
Where the ribbon crosses itself, use the small safety pin to hold the ribbon in place, concealing the pin behind the ribbon.
This same pin can be used to attach the ribbon to a collar or lapel. You’ll need to remove the pin from the ribbon, saving the fold, then work from inside your shirt to pin on the folded pink ribbon.
Options: The ribbon can also be sewn together where it crosses by machine or by hand with a few stitches of pink thread. You can also use super strength glue to hold the ribbon together; then double stick tape or a safety pin can hold it to lapel.
