Breast cancer is a disease that hits far too close to home for most of us—for me, two women in my family have survived breast cancer. With my chances being higher than average, I got my first mammogram at 35 (the recommended age is 40), repeat annually (the recommendation is every two years), and do breast exams monthly (what you should be doing, too!)
Screening is especially important to me because even though breast cancer survivorship is on the rise, women 20 to 39 had the highest increase in cases, and the same can be said for Asian American women of any age.
While we certainly should be thinking about, talking about, and doing something about breast cancer every month of the year, with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good time to put it in the spotlight. Be sure to talk to your doctor about breast health, and check in on your friends to schedule their annual mammograms (it’s not that bad, I promise).
Here are some local events you can take part in to raise money for breast cancer research and programming.
Roseblood Brunch
Oct. 13 at Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen, 399 S.E. Mizner Blvd in Boca Raton and 204 E. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach.
You’re going to go out to brunch anyway, might as well do it for a good cause! Both locations will be serving up pomegranate parfaits, smoked salmon toast, strawberry and cream waffles, crab omelets, and other yummies. Ten percent of proceeds will benefit the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute and the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute. farmhousekitchenboca.com
Go Pink Luncheon
Oct. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Boca Raton, 501 E. Camino Real in Boca Raton.
In its 20th year, this year’s speaker is Robin Roberts, who will be sharing her own breast cancer story. You can read more about this luncheon, which drew 1,300 guests last year and raised $2.3 million, in our interview with Carrie Rubin. Visit donate.brrh.com/foundation-events/go-pink-luncheon.
Making Strides of Palm Beach County
Oct. 26 at 7:30 a.m. at Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 20504 Amphitheater Circle in Boca Raton.
An annual fundraiser in Boca Raton, runners and walkers will meet at the amphitheater to honor survivors, remember those who lost the fight, and lift one another up to raise funds for the American Cancer Society in this noncompetitive 5K. Click here for more information.
Community Wellness Fair
Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Manatial de Vida of Church of All Nations, 1300 N.W. Fourth Ave. in Boca Raton.
The Promise Fund is hosting free mammograms and cancer screenings for women who are uninsured or under-insured; professionals will also be at the wellness fair to talk about breast and cervical cancer. Also, food, raffles, and a bouncy castle for the kids. Promise Fund Navigators will be available to answer any questions in Spanish, English and Creole. For more information or to register for a free mammogram, call 877/427-7664. thepromisefund.org
Voyage Boutique Goes Pink
Through Oct. 31 at Voyage Boutique, 400 Gulfstream Blvd. Suite B in Delray Beach.
The Delray Beach boutique is on a mission to raise funds to help fight breast cancer, donating a portion of sales to the Paps Corps (Papanicolaou Corps For Cancer). Throughout the month of October, mention the Paps Corps when you make your purchase to ensure that a donation is made from your shopping trip. voyageboutique.com
Flowers for Strength
Through Oct. 31 at Maman, 473 S Rosemary Ave. in West Palm Beach.
South Florida-based UNA Vodka launched its Flowers for Strength campaign, donating $2 for every bottle sold to F*ck Cancer. Maman in CityPlace is serving its own cocktail with UNA Vodka to donate to the nonprofit. unavodka.com
Pink and White Cookies
Through Oct. 31 at Doris Italian Market & Bakery, 9101 Lakeridge Blvd. in Boca Raton and 11239 US-1 in North Palm Beach.
Doris is serving up delectable pink and white cookies throughout the month of October, and $1 from each cookie will be donated to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign. The cookies will also be available at Doris’ Sunrise, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines locations. dorismarket.com
Did we miss an event? Email christiana@bocamag.com.
