7 Ways To Honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month

From charity walks to rallies, these events celebrate survivors and look toward a future cure.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we all come together to raise awareness of a disease that will affect more than 360,000 people this year alone.

Though you can always test your own knowledge of breast cancer and its effects, October offers many chances to celebrate community, honor survivors, remember loved ones, access educational resources and donate to research and awareness initiatives. Here are a few options all over our county:

Throughout October:
Early detection saves lives and, in honor of that, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is offering free mammography appointments for uninsured and underinsured patients for the third year in a row.

Oct. 5-6
The Englewood Department of Health and the Hadnott Foundation present the Englewood Family Wellness Weekend at Depot Square Park. This event will include health and wellness providers from all around the county, plus local vendors, fantastic food trucks and a special celebration of breast cancer survivors. This event is free, and begins at 1 p.m.

Oct. 10
At Englewood’s Bergen Performing Arts Center, enjoy a special show with the Ladies of Laughter as they put on Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Night of Sharing Stories & Laughter. This special comedy event will include comedians discussing their personal connections with breast cancer. A portion of ticket sales from the event will benefit the ComedyCures Foundation. The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets can be purchased at bergenPAC’s website.

Oct. 19
Join Making Strides Against Breast Cancer for the 2024 Making Strides of the Meadowlands at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. This walk celebrates cancer survivors and caregivers, and top donators will receive special T-shirts. The walk begins at 8 a.m.

For a different fundraising option, head over to American Dream in East Rutherford for the Pink Pathway Walk to benefit Susan G. Komen. Register as a team or individual to raise funds for the cause. Before the 1-mile walk, there will be a short program filled with stories of hope, inspiration and remembrance. The event begins at 9 a.m.

Oct. 20
At the Overpeck Park Amphitheater in Ridgefield Park, the Englewood Health Foundation celebrates 25 years of fighting against breast cancer with its Walk for Awareness. This event also includes the Susan Lucianna Memorial Dog Walk, so you can bring your furrier family members along. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.

Nov. 1
At noon, you can join Women Lawyers in Bergen for their Rally Against Breast Cancer. The event is dedicated to honoring survivors, remembering loved ones and empowering everyone affected by this disease, and will include giveaways, food and music.

Have a story of a heroic cancer battle? Tell us about in on Instagram @bergenmagnj.