Do you know anyone who has been impacted by Breast Cancer?
Chances are, you do. Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. In fact, 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer in their lifetime.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month is all about raising funds, spreading the word about mammograms and supporting those with the disease. While many people know someone affected by breast cancer, many forget to take the correct steps to detect the disease in its early stages, and encourage others to do the same.
So, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here's three things you can do:
1. First and most importantly, remind the women in your life to head in for their annual mammogram if they have not already done so.
2. Send a message of support and love to breast cancer survivors (or fighters) that you might know. These simple messages make a difference and strong social ties have been shown to have a positive impact on a woman's ability to fight diseases like cancer.
3. If you're so inclined, CancerCare is a fully accredited 501 c-3 non-profit that you can donate to.
What about Caregivers?
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 250,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. Now think about the communities of each and every one of those women; the millions of friends, family members, nurses and doctors who will be called to step up during these difficult medical journeys.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take some time to thank those people that played a major role in your personal breast cancer story.
Here's a pro-tip, don't stop at thank you. Tell caregivers WHY you're thankful for them.
As Robert Cialdini mentions in his seminal book Influence...
When we say thank you, it is an important and meaningful statement, but it is actually when we take time to qualify our thanks with an explanation that the true authenticity and thought comes through:
Thanks for driving my mom to her appointment, it's great knowing we can count on you.
Thanks for taking such good care of my mom, It's amazing to see someone who cares so much.
Thank you for everything you've done for my family, your support has meant everything to us.
You won't believe the difference a little explanation will make.
An innovative campaign to thank caregivers.
Inspired by their original Roastmaster, Amy Erickson who passed away from breast cancer, and her own support system throughout her cancer journey, Caribou Coffee is launching Project Amy - a community video recognition effort designed to pay tribute and thank caregivers everywhere.
Throughout October, users can visit Tribute.co/CaribouTribute and in less than 60 seconds record their own video to recognize and thank a caregiver close to their heart.
For every #CaribouTribute video submitted, Caribou will donate $5 to CancerCare, a national nonprofit organization committed to helping people cope with cancer through counseling, support groups, education and financial assistance.
So, take 60 seconds. Spread some appreciation to someone who deserves it and send $5 to a noble charity. You'll feel better afterwards, and it just might make someone's day.