Each year, nearly 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer; 1 in 8 women will get the disease, and more than 40,000 will die. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and it is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women, after lung cancer. There have been significant strides in the fight against breast cancer, and efforts to eliminate it as a public health problem continue.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama has raised nearly $4 million to support cancer research at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. The funds stay in Alabama and are instrumental to secure and sustain research grants, develop research facilities and recruit and retain world-class scientists.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the BCRFA and other organizations are hosting several local events:
All month: Alabama Fire Departments “Pink Ribbon” Project
Throughout October, participating fire departments will sell awareness T-shirts statewide. Visit bcrfa.org for information on where to purchase T-shirts.
Sept. 27-Oct. 31: Brighton at the Summit
$10 from every Brighton “Power of Pink” Bracelet purchase, and 10 percent from Power of Pink accessory purchases will benefit the BCRFA.
Sept. 28-Oct. 31: Tameron Honda Breast Cancer Awareness Event
$100 from every new car sold at Tameron Honda and Hyundai will be donated to the BCRFA.
Sunday, Sept. 29: Breast Cancer Awareness Month “Kick-Off” Event
Center Point Fire/Rescue and the City of Clay will have a kick-off event from 3-7 p.m. at Cosby Lake Park in Clay with a pink motorcade, special guest speakers, refreshments and entertainment by the Jeff Otwell Band. Bring lawn chairs.
Thursday, Oct. 10: 4th Annual Gus Mayer Goes Pink Presented by Regions
From 6-8:30 p.m., more than 50 items will be auctioned including fabulous fashions, furs, jewelry and shoes. This is a complimentary event with a ticket; call Gus Mayer at 205-870-3300 to reserve your ticket.
Saturday, Oct. 12: Uncorked! OnThe Green
The community of Ross Bridge in Hoover will host a free craft beer and wine tasting event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature more than 50 micro brews and dozens of wines, with samplings of featured menu items from local restaurants. There will be live music on two stages and kids activities. Donations will be accepted at the door for BCRFA. Visit www.uncorkedonthegreen.com for more information.
Saturday, Oct. 12: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is the largest series of 5k run/fitness walks in the world. The local race will begin at Linn Park in downtown Birmingham. Visit www.komenncalabama.org/komen-race-for-the-cure for detailed information.
Sunday, Oct. 13: 8th Annual Belk Private Shopping Event
Attend an evening of private, VIP shopping at Belk from 6:30-9 p.m. with live entertainment, catering by Kathy G. & Co., door prizes and more. Tickets are $25. The first 50 in line receive a $20 gift card/door prizes and special VIP discounts. To purchase tickets, visit www.pinkprivateshoppingnight.com or call 205-996-5463.
Friday, Oct. 18: Angel Squad at Jim ‘N Nicks
On National Mammography Day, members of the Angel Squad will be available at participating Jim ‘N Nicks restaurants to educate the public on the importance of early detection through mammograms. The volunteers will distribute informational brochures, pink ribbons and gifts throughout the day. The Angel Squad partners with groups and organizations throughout the community to promote breast cancer awareness and raise funds for patient services at UAB.
Friday, Oct. 18: New Light support group meeting
This support group, specifically geared for triple negative breast cancer patients and their families, will have a Sisterhood Quilts unveiling reception from 5-7:30 p.m. featuring guest speaker Shirley A. Richards, D. Min., LPC. The event will be held at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer in the Wallace Tumor Institute, 1824 6th Ave. S. in the first floor lobby. Refreshments will be provided. Free parking in the 4th Ave. parking deck. Please RSVP by Oct. 11 to Kimberly Robinson at 205-975-7912.
Sunday, Oct. 20: “Calera Goes Pink” Golf Tournament
With a tee time of 1 p.m., Timberline Golf Course in Calera will host a golf tournament to benefit breast cancer research. Call Kate Keifer to register your team at 205-585-6965.
Saturday, Nov. 2: Pink Boil and Brew
From 3-7 p.m., the Cahaba Brewing Company will host a low country boil featuring craft brew and live entertainment. Sponsorships are available; call BCRFA at 205-996-5463 before Oct. 7. For more information, visit bcrfa.org. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of event.
