U.S. Celebrates National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The White House got a pink glow in Washington, D.C. People painted their pumpkins pink in Calvert, Md., and women donated art made of bras in Orange City, Fla.

And John Link, director of the Queens chapter of the American Cancer Society, said tens of thousands of people will likely take part in this year's breast cancer walk in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Oct. 16.

"The recommendation is that women over 40 get their mammograms and early screenings," he said. They should also encourage their families to talk to doctors to get the ball rolling earlier than 40. Early detection is key." 

The Panera Bread in Little Neck Plaza is donating 100 percent of its proceeds from pink ribbon bagel orders on Sept. 30 to Gilda's Club of New York City.

This October promises to bring even more colorful and thoughtful events and opportunities.

“Clearly, every person who brings attention to the cause is fantastic,” said Terry Music, chief mission delivery officer for the American Cancer Society.

Groups of women are getting together and survivors are reaching out to each other on social networks. Children are helping out, too, by pitching tents and filling water bottles at fundraisers in Tampa and serving pink lemonade from homemade stands in Philadelphia. Neighbors in Little Neck, N.Y., gather for a block party.

Men are participating, too, and in Connecticut, they are hosting a dance – no ties needed! 

There are hundreds of breast cancer awareness walks and runs around the country, plus marathons and a plethora of exercise-related events. Then there are the tea parties, luncheons, golf tournaments, masquerade balls, art shows, motorcross and motorcycle rides and concerts.

Below is a list of some New York-based events. If you know of any Douglaston breast cancer awareness events, please email the editor at Nathan.duke@patch.com.

New York Events

• Wild Women of Comedy Breast Cancer Fundraiser – Oct. 1 – Bellmore
• Breast Cancer Gala: The Artrageous Affair - Oct. 1 - Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester
• LAX for Hope Women’s Lacrosse Tournament – Oct. 2. Oakdale
• 2nd Annual NYC Breast Cancer Fundraiser – Oct. 6 – NYC www.nycbreastcancerfundraiser.com
• TREK Women Breast Cancer Awareness Ride - Oct. 8 - Monroe County
• Pink Ribbon Tea and Chinese Auction – Oct. 9 – Albany 518-479-2665
• Breast Cancer Walk in Flushing Meadows Corona Park - Oct. 16 at 9 a.m.

Are you a survivor? Do you have a story to share? Patch wants to give you a place to inspire and encourage each other. Send us your photos of those 5ks, pink parties, dog walks and luncheons. Heading to get a mammogram with your friend, sister, coworker or daughter? Snap a photo before you go, and send it our way!