October is breast cancer awareness month and for many people it holds a very special meaning. If anyone you love has ever had to fight this life threatening disease you want to help in anyway you can. One lovely gesture that every woman can do to show her support of those living with this disease is to wear a pink breast cancer ribbon. They are small yet they carry a very large message.

Many events are held during the fall to help raise funds for this disease. One popular event that is held in many communities is a run for breast cancer awareness. Survivors and their supporters generally take part in helping to raise money to fund research to find a cure and new treatment options for breast cancer.
The same philosophy is behind the idea of wearing a pin that shows support. In most cases, all the money that is collected when a breast cancer ribbon is sold is given to charity. This makes the purchase have additional meaning and significance.

With so many different styles to choose from it can be difficult deciding on just one. Traditionally the breast cancer ribbon was just that, a small pink ribbon that was secured with a straight pin. Many jewelers and organizations have recognized the importance of the breast cancer ribbon and have designed beautiful pins that incorporate the ribbon idea and pink theme into a small work of art.

One that I purchased recently was crafted from gold and had small pink rhinestones adorning it in the shape of a ribbon. It’s lovely and can easily be worn out to a gala event or I often pin it to the lapel of my blazer for wearing to work. People often comment on the pin and I always explain that it’s a breast cancer ribbon. I’ve taken to wearing one each and everyday and certainly not just in the month of October. With many women being diagnosed every minute it’s important to keep everyone aware of what they can do to help.

The idea can reach well beyond a pin though. Many charities are now having t-shirts, hats and scarves with a breast cancer ribbon design printed on them. The t-shirts and hats can be worn by both men and women at anytime and are especially meaningful when they are attending an event in support of breast cancer awareness. The scarves are another item that can be worn with other things as a symbol of the wearer’s commitment to fight the disease.