5 Ways To…Show Your Support During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

From a virtual walk to a drive-thru fundraiser, there are plenty of ways to help this strong group of women close to home.

For years, perhaps even decades, you probably associated the month of October with Breast Cancer Awareness (BCAM) and the little pink ribbons we wear to support the cause, raise awareness and bring survivors and sufferers of the disease together in solidarity. But not even this pandemic of 2020 can stop this strong community of women and their families from walking, fighting and well, even driving in an effort to bring awareness to the cancer that 12 percent of women will be diagnosed with in their lifetime.

So, whether you’re a survivor yourself, have a family member or friend who is or just want to show your support, here are five ways to do so this month in Bergen County and beyond:

1. Sign up for a virtual walk. Susan G. Komen New Jersey is taking their annual community walk to the internet this year: Their virtual More Than Pink Walk is taking place this Saturday, Oct. 4. The online-only event will feature tributes to survivors and celebrate fundraising efforts for the cause. Get more details HERE.
2. Partake in a charitable drive-thru. The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides walk won’t be so much a walk this year but rather a “Drive-Thru Experience” due to COVID-19. The Bergen County edition will take place Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, and will feature a car decoration contest, a Tribute Garden, a gift shop and more fun social-distancing-friendly activities. Get more details HERE.
3. Style your hair. Indulge in a little self-care and give back at the same time. Elite Salon & Spa in Hasbrouck Heights offers clients special packages for the month of October for which a portion of proceeds go toward breast cancer research. Meanwhile, Headlines by Pantana in Northvale is offering temporary pink extensions with any other hair service.
4. Wear pink. Show off the pretty color any way you please—some first responders will be doing so too! The Glen Rock police department won’t be selling breast cancer merch like they have in years past due to COVID-19, but they’ll still be wearing pink patches and pink hats while on patrol. Other boroughs’ police departments will be showing their pink pride for the duration of October too, including the officers in Closter, Harrington Park, Park Ridge and more.
5. Get screened. Honestly, the best thing you can do during BCAM is get your breast cancer screening. Take it from Rachel Zegler, a Clifton resident and alum of Lodi’s Immaculate Conception High School who’s starring as Maria in the upcoming remake of West Side Story. The 19-year-old tweeted this week that she had a breast cancer scare and is luckily okay, but is urging women of all ages to see their doctors, especially during the month of October. You can go to your gynecologist who can keep an eye on any abnormal growths, or make an appointment at a breast imaging center like the ones at Valley Hospital and Englewood Health.