October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Don’t Be a Boob
By kaspeckman | October 1, 2012
Like it or not, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
I say this because I get a lot of grief from people who are tired of hearing about breast cancer (even people who have lost family members and friends to the disease) or folks who believe that there are other causes that are just as worthy of an entire month of publicity. I’m not disagreeing that there are hundreds of non-profit agencies out there that deserve more money, more awareness and more attention than they currently get. But the fact of the matter is this: 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. I have seven friends. At least one of them is going to get it—or I am. I don’t like my chances or theirs.
This sobering fact, coupled with the reality of my own mother’s death from the disease in 1981 at the age of 41, has compelled me to create what I consider the most comprehensive Breast Cancer Awareness Calendar in Northeast Florida (until someone proves me wrong).
Go to a breast cancer awareness event this month—or don’t. Make a donation to a breast cancer research/education/support organization—or don’t. Get a mammogram—or don’t. Just know that nearly 40,000 women will die of breast cancer this year alone, which certainly makes it more worthy of a month-long advertising campaign than National Caramel Month or Squirrel Awareness Month.
If you have an event you would like to include, e-mail me at kerry [at] jacksonvillemag [dot] com.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Friday, October 5
Remission Rocks
Local physicians perform in concert to benefit Bosom Buddies. Includes appetizer and beverage.
River City Brewing Company, 6-11 PM
$20 in advance, $25 at the door
Friday, October 5 **STALKER ALERT**
An Evening On the Pink Carpet
Donna Hicken hosts this annual VIP reception, presentation and fashion show to benefit The Donna Foundation.
Florida Theatre, 7:30 PM, 6 PM for VIP
$35, $75 for VIP
Saturday, October 6
Boobsapalooza: Bands Against Breast Cancer
Ten local bands including J Collins, Cupid’s Alley, Circle of Influence and Reggae Swat Team perform, while the Miz(ter) Boobsapalooza Contest encourages men to get their pink on.
Lynch’s Irish Pub, noon-8 PM
$10
Saturday, October 6 **STALKER ALERT**
Pink Ribbon Symposium
Survivor panels, caregiver sessions, informational presentations by local medical professionals with keynote by Olympic gold medalist and breast cancer survivor Peggy Fleming.
Hyatt Regency Riverfront, 8 AM-1 PM
Free
Saturday, October 6 **STALKER ALERT**
Buddy Check Celebration with First Coast News
Join First Coast News anchor Jeannie Blaylock as she celebrates the 20th anniversary of Buddy Check 12. And don’t miss the Ta-Ta Cha-Cha!
Northbank Riverwalk, 1-2 PM
Free
Saturday, October 6
Pretty in Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon
Three-time, primary cancer survivor turned patient advocate, author and international-recognized speaker Bobbi de Cordóva-Hanks presents “In Sickness and in Health: A Survivor and Caregiver Tell Their Story of Tears and Hope” with husband turned caregiver, Jerry Hanks.
The Peek Center, 11:30 AM-3 PM
$15-$35
Wednesday, October 10 **STALKER ALERT**
The Pink Ribbon Golf Classic Tee-Off Cocktail Party
This prelude to the annual golf tournament benefiting Baptist Beaches Hospitals and Mayo Clinic breast cancer research includes hors d’oeuvres, open bar, celebrity guests and a silent auction.
Marsh Landing (private home), 6-10 PM
$75
Thursday, October 11
Pink Ribbon Golf Classic
Includes a light breakfast, the tournament, awards luncheon and gifts. All proceeds to benefit Baptist Beaches Hospitals and Mayo Clinic breast cancer research.
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, 8:30 shotgun start
$100 per player
Thursday, October 11
What Everyone Should Know About Breast Health
This public forum, hosted by UF & Shands Jacksonville, includes a panel of experts with the latest information on breast cancer, as well as dinner.
Omni Jacksonville Hotel, 5:30-9 PM
Free
Thursday, October 11
The World’s Largest Happy Hour
Whisky River supports The American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer by hosting the World’s Largest Happy Hour. In addition to happy hour specials, WR is donating 100 percent of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Pink Lemonade and raffle ticket sales to the cause.
5:30 PM, Whisky River Jacksonville
Free
Friday, October 12
Public Forum on Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness
Renowned pathologist Shahla Masood and urologist Ali Kasraeian take your questions about breast cancer and prostate cancer at this wine and cheese reception. Call (904) 244-4387 to RSVP.
Scan Design, Philips Highway, 6-8 PM
Free
Friday, October 12
Upbeat Pink: A Musical Tribute to Breast Cancer Survivorship
The UNF Wind Symphony and UNF Chorale Ensembles pay tribute to survivors with an evening of songs from Broadway musicals by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Rogers & Hammerstein.
UNF Fine Arts Center, Lazzara Performance Hall, 7:30 PM
Free
Friday, October 12
Pele’s Wood Fire Gives Back
Pele’s is participating in a nationwide campaign called Slice of Hope to raise funds for a breast cancer organization: 10 percent of that day’s sales will be donated to the campaign while another 10 percent will be donated to 26.2 with Donna.
Saturday, October 13
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K—Jacksonville
The American Cancer Society’s annual event in support of breast cancer awareness, education and fundraising encourages participants to “Put on Your Pink Bra.”
Treaty Oak Park, 9 AM
Saturday, October 13
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K—Orange Park
The American Cancer Society’s annual event in support of breast cancer awareness, education and fundraising encourages participants to “Put on Your Pink Bra.”
Best Bet of Orange Park, 9 AM
Saturday, October 13
Row for the Cure
The Stanton Rowing Foundation hosts this fundraiser for the North Florida affiliate of the Komen Foundation, as part of the First Coast Head Race. Female racers only compete in four categories.
St. Johns and Arlington rivers, time TBA
Saturday, October 13
Yoga in the Park 4 Cancer
This second annual event celebrates cancer survivorship with yoga, meditation, Pilates, live enteratinment and vendors. Special guest Yogi Amrit Desai shares tips for relieving stress associated with disease.
Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach, 8 AM-4 PM
Free, $20 for VIP seating
Saturday, October 13
Think Pink in October Motorcycle Ride
Police-escorted ride is organized by Unity Outreach in St. Augustine and benefits breast cancer patients. Helmets strongly recommended.
Adamec Harley Davidson, 9:45 AM
$20 for drivers, $5 for passengers
Monday, October 15
The Pink Express Style Show
Paul Mitchell The School presents this fashion show/fundraiser for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer with DJ Wes Reed. Drinks specials all night.
Suite, 9 PM
$10
Tuesday, October 16
Eighth Annual Rally to Find the Cure Charity Golf Tournament
Four-person teams complete in flights; nine holes: scramble, nine holes: two best net ball. Breakfast and lunch included, raffles, hole-in-one prizes. Proceeds benefit Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Center.
Jacksonville Golf & Country Club, 8:30 AM
$65 for members, $90 for non-members
Saturday, October 19
Jacksonville Bullies Honor Cancer Survivors
The city’s pro lacrosse team honors cancer survivors with a special half-time celebration and a cancer survivor singing the national anthem. A portion of proceeds from the game will be donated to In the Pink.
Veterans Memorial Arena, 7 PM
$10-$45
Friday-October 19–Saturday, October 20
San Marco Goes Pink for Breast Cancer
Look for the pink balloons in San Marco Square shops Friday and Saturday. Merchants displaying them are donating a percentage of their sales to the Donna Foundation.
San Marco Square, store hours vary
Free
Saturday, October 20
Komen North Florida Race for the Cure
The largest series of 5K run/fitness walks in the world enables participants to run or walk the 5K route—with a team or as an individual.
Metropolitan Park, 7 AM
Saturday, October 20
Breast Cancer Survivors Breakfast and Art Show
Includes music, dance, songs and poetry featuring local artists and entertainers.
Balis Community Center, 8:30 AM-11 AM
$20, in advance only
Saturday, October 20
Oktoberfest 2012
For seven years, European Street Cafe has been hosting its annual Oktoberfest celebration, and this year the event doubles as a fundraiser for Bosom Buddies.
European Street Cafe—Riverside, 11 AM
Free
Saturday, October 20
Victory in Pink: A Celebration of Women Who Have Fought Breast Cancer
Olympic gold medalist and breast cancer survivor Shannon Miller emcees this inspirational and educational event hosted by St. Vincent’s HealthCare.
St. Johns Town Center (between Pottery Barn Kids and Ted’s Montana Grill), 6-9 PM
Free
Saturday, October 27
Breast Cancer Awareness Bra Design Event
The First Haitian American Community Church of Jacksonville celebrates its first birthday—and raises awareness and funds for breast cancer—with a decorate your bra contest.
First Haitian-American Community Church, 2-4 PM
$15
ONGOING
During October, Tijuana Flats will donate $3 from the sale of every bottle of Just in Queso Sauce to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
The NFL supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month with special pink ribbon gear for players—and fans.
As part of its Love, Hope & Pizza Campaign, Hungry Howie’s will make a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for every pizza purchased in October.
Throughout the month of October, Black Finn American Grille features a special Think Pink menu with a $1 from each item drink donated to Bands Against Breast Cancer.
Belleza Salon in the Shoppes of Ponte Vedra hosts Pink Parties all month long. Your $25 donation includes light hors d’oeuvres, a make-up refresher, dry styling and pink feather or hair extensions with proceeds to going to Baptist Beaches Hospitals and Mayo Clinic breast cancer research.
In October, Stella & Dot is donating all net proceeds to the Noreen Fraser Foundation: Fight for a Cure.
During October, JC Penney salons are offering free haircuts and styles to breast cancer survivors. The store will also donate $1 for the first 50,000 cuts to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For more information or to make an appointment, visit JC Penney Salons.
St. Vincent’s offers Jacksonville’s only mobile mammography unit. For a schedule and locations or to make an appointment for screening mammography, call (904) 308-3780.
Jacksonville’s Most Comprehensive Breast Cancer Awareness Month Calendar is brought to you, in part, by European Street Cafe.