Zeta Tau Alpha at the Chicago Bears game last Sunday, where we passed out pink ribbons on safety pins that said “Think Pink”

By Guest Bag Lady Emily Mitchell

Women of all ages and stages are coming together this month to celebrate breast cancer survival and to raise awareness about preventative treatments and charities.

Last October, as I people-watched from my nose-bleed seat at a Milwaukee Brewers baseball game, I spotted a row of men not far from mine wearing “Save The Ta-Tas” tee shirts. My first reaction:  “Seriously, guys? Nice.” But as I looked around the stadium, I noticed my section wasn’t the only one filled with sports fans in light pink shirts, hats, and ribbons. I just happened to have landed in the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness night.

Founded by Julia Fikse – a fashion designer-turned philanthropist, who watched two family members battle the disease, which included undergoing double mastectomies – the “Save the Ta-Tas” clothing line became the non-profit organization Save the Ta-Ta’s Foundation in 2008, and has since donated $339,000 and counting. The slogan “Put some fun in the fight” summarizes the brand’s positive outlook.

Major League Baseball isn’t the only sport cheering for the Ta-Tas. The National Football League is also a supporter of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and has partnered with the American Cancer Society to bring awareness and attention to the cause. All teams, coaches, and end zones will be sporting the pink ribbon.

Other nationwide organizations are also doing their part, including the Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity. Don’t let the name confuse you: this fraternity is actually comprised of women who have dedicated their philanthropy work toward breast cancer awareness since 1992 with the “Think Pink” campaign. The campaign holds partnerships with many foundations, including Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Yoplait Yogurt’s Save Lids to Save Lives, The National Football League, and SELF Magazine. This year, ZTA members will be passing out pink ribbons at 22 NFL stadiums, and will continue to sponsor 5K Race for the Cure events.

But back to those “Save the Ta-Tas” shirts. Humor has become a zephyr to shift awareness out to different age groups and demographics, and among various social dynamics. The phrase “laughter heals” rings true for this disease that affects so many beyond the individual woman battling breast cancer. Communal strength, endurance and a positive outlook can go a long way to help women feel empowered to fight as hard as they can on the long road to overcome the disease. Humor has helped to lessen the stigma of breast cancer, and has also led women to become more outspoken, less shy, and more vigilant about managing their personal health. So much so, that the painful and scary breast exam has now become a social group event.

If this doesn’t throw awkward out the window, I don’t know what does: Checkyourboobies.org is another non-profit organization “dedicated to the prevention and early detection of breast cancer,” and it has made breast exams its top priority. Its goal is to help women take control of their breast health in a “frank, fun, and fear-free manner.” The site offers guidance on how to do a self-exam, and how to host a free party for friends, where a trained Check Your Boobies breast health educator will come to discuss how to perform self exams and where to seek out screening methods like mammograms and yearly clinical exams. A breast cancer survivor is also available to speak about her experience, leaving no question unanswered, and reaffirming the importance of early detection.

According to the National Cancer Institute, 1 out of 7 women in America will encounter breast cancer in her lifetime. This month, support those battling the disease and prevent the spread of fear by wearing a funny t-shirt, a pink ribbon, hosting an awareness party, or planning an initiative that holds personal meaning.

If you need a nudge, check out these chartiable resources:

5% of sales from all “Save the Ta-Tas” merchandise is donated to Save the Tatas Foundation: www.Savethetatas.com, 1-877-my-tatas.

Host a breast health and screening party for free:  www.checkyourboobies.org

Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity and the “Think Pink“ campaign: http://www.zetataualpha.org/cms400min/

For more information on the NFL and Breast Cancer Awareness: http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80b4eda7&template=without-video&confirm=true

Save those Yoplait Yogurt lids: http://www.yoplait.com/slsl/

For quick stats on breast cancer and information, visit the National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/probability-breast-cancer

Support the Avon Foundation for Women in partnership with the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation in the movement toward expanded scientific research: http://www.armyofwomen.org/

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Photo credit: Estee Lauder - the originator of the Pink Ribbon, along with Self Magazine. Pin is available for purchase.

Everything’s coming up rosy surrounding Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when you would be hard-pressed to find a retailer that isn’t letting their pink ribbon fly with pride. Shopping for beauty or fashion feels good again, prompted by the noble goal of wiping breast cancer off the map through charitable foundations that support finding a cure.  While it would be a challenge to list each and every brand that has gone pink for October, each and every one deserves special mention for putting their female consumer base in the forefront of public consciousness. Beauty in the Bag has highlighted a few shining examples, and we encourage you to seek out other products with the pink ribbon seal of approval. May this year bring us one step closer to finding the cure!

DNKY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom, $70

A donation of $15,000 from sales will be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

La Mer Creme de la Mer, $230-$1,390

A donation of $30,000 from North American sales will be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Clinique Lipgloss Key Chain, $18.50

A donation of $10 per key chain purchased will be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation throughout October

Bobbi Brown Pink Ribbon Collection, $40

A donation of $35,000 from North American sales will be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Casa di Francesca Pink and White Special Murano Vase, $79

$2 from each of three exclusive Sicilian Pink Grapefruit diffuser kits – all featuring handmade Murano glass vases: one pink and white, one green and white, and one multicolored – will benefit the Breast Cancer Network of Strength

*Special discount code for BEAUTY IN THE BAG  subscribers: CDFBEAUTY20 entitles you to 20% off throughout October*

OPI Pink of Hearts Nail Lacquer, $8.50

A $25,000 donation will be made in 2009 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Lather Sandalwood Rose Soap, $8 & Soap for Hope Gift Set, $20

$5 per Sandalwood Rose Soap and $12 per Soap for Hope Gift Set ($20) will go toward City of Hope

Even More Feel Good Shopping:

www.Beauty.com/cancerandcareers  - Purchase anything on the site between October 12-18 and the site will donate 10% to CEW Cancer and Careers – a brilliant cause! 

Cancer and Careers will also receive support from the following brands and products:

3LAB Perfect Neck Cream - available at Barneys, 10% of proceeds go to CAC throughout October and November 2009

Bare Escentuals Believe Eyecolor - available at www.bareescentuals.com, BE Cares will donate $25,000 to CAC during September and October

Decléor’s Lip Balm and Cleansing Wipes -  available at www.decleordirect.com, $1000 from October sales will go to CAC. 

DuWop Pink Shimmer Lip Venom - available at www.duwop.com, $2,500 from October sales will go to CAC.

En Pointe Skin Solutions - available at www.empoweryourskin.com, a percentage of October sales will go to CAC

Shiseido The Makeup Luminizing Satin Eyecolor in Peony - available at www.dillards.com, $5 per October sale will go to CAC

SUNDÃRI Special Edition Holiday Gift Sets - available at www.sundari.com, 2% of proceeds of the Commitment, Perseverance, and Dedication gift sets in September and October will go to CAC

Tribal Societé - available at www.tribalsociete.com, a portion of proceeds from October online sales of tribal artisan jewelry will go to CAC

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