By Christina Chipman

Thinking pink. For most young girls under the age of 10, pink is a must.  From the embellished pink princess costumes to the new Barbie doll house, pink is a way of life. However, for over 200,000 women, this isn’t glitz, glamor, or a figment of imagination.

Unfortunately, pink has become a compelling reality that often turns the mirror into an enemy, and leaves a footprint of fear among families and friends. Breast cancer, the second leading cause of death in women, grips and takes hold of innocent women’s lives every year. However, every October, men and women alike join hand in hand in the race against this heart wrenching disease. Football players are seen wearing pink gloves, signature ribbons and souvenirs are distributed and decorated throughout local businesses and schools, fund raisers are held, and stories are told. Pink is a universal, international color that spreads awareness and inspires thousands of women to take the preventive measures to combat this prevalent disease. Nearly everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with this disease. More often, a survivor. Due to recent improvements in research and early detections, thousands of women are surviving breast cancer. Women who once felt defeated by this disease are now witnesses of the tale of survival. Their stories provide a light of hope and inspiration to those now struggling with this disease. Empowering the knowledge of breast cancer can endow young women across the world to live each day pink. However, we cannot forget those whose journey ended early because the cancer took their life. Valuing each day and living in their remembrance is just a step in spreading breast cancer awareness.
On October 1, Niagara Falls was illuminated pink to recognize breast cancer awareness. Niagara Falls, however, is not the only landmark participating in this month’s festivities. New York City’s Empire State Building was illustrated with pink lighting on October 3  during the Chicago Bears and New York Giants professional football game. Awareness tactics are also seen throughout the Facebook community, as members become “fans” of Susan G. Komen foundation, or post statuses pertaining to the remarkable contributions these foundations have made. Numerous of organizations including the Nancy Jaynes’ Memorial Scholarship Fund, in honor of the former Plymouth High School teacher and her devout passion for breast cancer and spreading its awareness, have been established to commend the lives of women who lost the battle to this life strickening disease. The scholarship is annually given to a male or female with a positive attitude that displays compassion and volunteers to raise awareness for cancer, and also plans to further his/her education in the Family and Consumer Sciences.
As the global community becomes engulfed in a sea of pink, a change has been made. A revolution has been started. Understanding breast cancer is the most vital step in becoming aware of this disease that provokes feelings of uncertainty, and grief. It is never too early to develop breast cancer, so monthly, have a routine exam of your breasts, checking for lumps or abnormalities. Encourage women in your family age 40 and over to schedule a mammogram and clinical breast exam. Early detection saves the lives of thousands of women yearly, so take advantage of the opportunity to save a life, whether it be your own, a family member, or a friend. Through a barrage of advice in ways to live life, take the challenge. Challenge to live each day pink. Through awareness, groundbreaking discoveries can be made and lives can be saved. As Christopher Reeve once said, “Once you choose hope, anything is possible.”