Pink: Not just for Pepto Bismol anymore

Jane_M · October 2009

OMG, Otter! That Hallmark thing is un-freeking-believable! YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING! That one takes the cake!

As I was walking into my lymphadema's office the other day (thank you, radiation), I saw a sign that said, "Early detection = hope." I guess that means I'm hopeless.

benisse · October 2009

Don't know if this picture will work. I've never posted a pic before. In case it doesn't post, it is a big wheel of cheese with a pink ribbon on it. Random!!!

Beemster Pink Ribbon Vlaskaas Cheese

Description: Beemster Vlaskaas is the newest addition to the company's line of Premium Gourmet Dutch Cheeses. When translated, Vlaskaas means Flax cheese, originally made for workers to enjoy during the Dutch harvest festival. Fifty cents from every pound of Pink Ribbon cheese purchased will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world's largest breast cancer research organization. Beemster has pledged to donate a minimum of $10,000 to help find a cure for breast cancer.
Visit the Website
Price: $10.99

ktym · April 2010

http://www.buystraps.com/Default.asp?tcode=pi8&tag=yahoo&OVRAW=moving straps&OVKEY=forearm forklift&OVMTC=advanced&OVADID=12161627522&OVKWID=89860113522&OVCAMPGID=2849165522&OVADGRPID=4904472410&OVNDID=ND2&bhcp=1

Haven't seen this thread in awhile. DH and I saw this ad on TV the other night and I had to add it to the list. The ad is for moving straps for helping lift heavy items. Click on the link and look down towards the right hand bottom of the page until you see the breast cancer ribbon. Oh yes, these straps come in breast cancer pink.

otter · April 2010

Aaaack! kmmd, you mean, THIS??? (photo courtesy of U-Haul's website):

(http://store.uhaul.com/Moving_lifting_tools/Moving/Forearm_Forklift_Moving_Straps_Pink)

A press release announcing the availability of the pink version of the lifting straps (http://www.newsrx.com/newsletters/Health-Business-Week/2010-01-15/4011520102HBW.html):

Health Business Week
A.A.C. Forearm Forklift, Inc.
Lifting Straps Turn PINK to Help Cure Breast Cancer
January 15th, 2010

"Moving furniture and mattresses will take on new meaning in 2010: supporting the fight against breast cancer. A.A.C. Forearm Forklift, Inc. (www.GetTheStraps.com) is launching pink-packaged, pink leverage straps this coming January because they're proud supporters of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). In fact, a donation of $10,000.00 will be made by Forearm Forklift to help fund breast cancer research.

"Forearm Forklift is partnering with BCRF* to introduce the new pink lifting straps. BCRF (www.bcrfcure.org) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer by providing funding for research and increasing...[etc.]"

And, if you buy them at the right store, your purchase "...includes one bonus "pink" awareness bracelet."

<sigh> It's started already....

*Disclaimer: BCRF is a highly reputable philanthropic organization that raises money to support BC research. BCRF gets terrific ratings on Charity Navigator for its financial management and efficiency. I don't think we're criticizing BCRF (or similar organizations) in this thread; nor are we intending to be critical of businesses, organizations, and individuals who truly want to help. What I think we're doing is laughing at the commercialization -- the pink-washing -- of breast cancer. We're poking fun at those who see it as a wonderful marketing opportunity. It's called "cause marketing" (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21272004).

To be even-handed, here's someone who offers a different point-of-view, along with great photos: http://inventorspot.com/articles/breast_cancer_awareness_inventive_marketing_5902

But, that's not what this thread is all about. So, let's share our discoveries and have some fun. Get a jump start on October. Wooo Hooo! We're back!

otter

otter · April 2010

Oh. My. Gosh.

Look what Webbie just found -- "Buckets for the Cure":

Take a look at the KFC website for the campaign -- it's even better. Be sure to put on some sunglasses before the page loads, though. The pink is overwhelming: http://www.bucketsforthecure.com/

Thanks, Webbie!

otter

ktym · April 2010

Yep, thats the page

Otter, good disclaimer. This isn't about minimizing the good work or the stories on the web page. Its about finding humor. And both of these sites totally tickled my funny bone on a day when I was dealing with a lot of left over aches and pains and complaints from treatment. I much prefer a good laugh and this did it. Thanks webbie. My weight lifting efforts have stalled recently, maybe I should get some of those straps...

Raili · April 2010

The KFC/Komen partnership is appalling! Promoting the ingestion of unhealthy-and-possibly-cancer-causing-food in order to raise money to cure cancer is so insane. There should be just as much of a focus on PREVENTION of cancer.

caydens_grannie · July 2010

Tell me how I would love to have one...

lynette_in_nashville@yahoo.com

otter · September 2010

I figured I'd bump this thread, just to get us ready for Pink Month. Please add new examples to keep us laughing. (Some days we get pretty desperate.)

otter

rock · September 2010

Ah, Ott. I knew I could count on you!

rock · September 2010

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs123.ash2/39506_1534411130373_1537654150_31370134_5748844_n.jpg

otter · September 2010

Aaaack!!! Here's rock's link, in full color:

otter · September 2010

How about this one?: "Help Support the Cause at Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2010 Drinking Events in Chicago" (Re: "Drinking for a Cure" in ChicagoNow).

In other words, "Pink Your Drink":

otter

Lovegolf · September 2010

Ok local paper hadd ads this Sunday ...kroger also had box with pink ribbon of tampons...

Best t-shirt I have seen said"Hell yeah they are fake ..the real ones tried to kill me."

sespebadger · September 2010

Pink ribbons are printed on the paper covering my surgeon's exam table and also on the paper drape I am supposed to put on for my exam.I am glad my medical oncologist and my radiation oncologist are not using the same supplies as I can only take so much.

Today at supermarket their was a big pink placard on the shopping cart. I did not read it.

I love the color pink and am sorry it is supposed to always mean breast cancer now. And if so little money is going to care or cure with many of these new pink items, that's just awful. Must read fine print.

Thanks for everyone's contributions.I'm laughing through my disbelief.

otter · October 2010

sespebadger, I'm becoming nauseous, thinking about that ribbon-adorned paper on the exam table and drape.

But, how about a baby doll? Isn't this just the cutest thing y'all have ever seen??? And those panties, with "Crawl for the Cause" printed on them ... so fun!

More info on this charming doll, from the website (http://www.ashtondrake.com/products/301335001_breast-cancer-awareness-vinyl-doll.html). I've emphasized select phrases with italics.

"Women everywhere bravely fight breast cancer. Now you can help bring hope to find a cure with this lifelike RealTouch® baby doll in support of breast cancer research. Designed by master doll artist Linda Murray, a portion of the proceeds from your purchase of the Crawl for the Cause doll will be donated to the fight against breast cancer.

"Exclusively from The Ashton-Drake Galleries, this breast cancer support lifelike baby doll is posed in a crawling position and features RealTouch® vinyl skin, blue eyes, soft blonde hair and a happy expression. Her ruffled dress is embellished with satiny trim and pearlized hearts, while her entire outfit, from headband to socks, flaunts pretty little support ribbons. Even this baby doll's diaper cover includes the embroidered message, "Crawl for the Cause."

And, for the tomboys in the audience, we bring you the "Power of Pink" Motorcycle Figurine collection. Here's the first installment: Highway of Hope. (Hey, maybe we should tell Harley44 about this!)

More info from the website (http://www.bradfordexchange.com/products/906010_motorcycle-figurine.html), rearranged slightly to condense it into this space. I've italicized especially fun-filled details:

"Decorated in pink from fender to fender and accented with awareness ribbons, this collection of collectible breast cancer support figurines is fueled with hope. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each figurine will be donated to help fight breast cancer.

"Assist in the race to support breast cancer research with these motorcycle figurines, only from The Hamilton Collection. Travel the highway of hope with this breast cancer support motorcycle figurine collection, exclusively from The Hamilton Collection. Each breast cancer support figurine in this collection is handcrafted of artist's resin and painted in a scheme of pink awareness ribbons. Exciting details include gleaming "chrome" accents, specially designed pierced rims and hand-applied awareness ribbon graphics. Words of hope on each motorcycle figurine's gas tank inspire promise, faith, support and more. Thrilling keepsake for helping an important cause or fun-filled gift for biker women."

Gotta go for now. Dinner needs fixin'.

otter

badger · October 2010

(hey sespebadger!) LOL otter - collectible breast cancer support figurines

Crawl for the cause...reminds me too much of chemo

Last year, the Wisconsin State Capitol was lit pink for BC awareness.

ICanDoThis · October 2010

Is it POSSIBLE that everyone on the planet is not AWARE?

Now, we need a cure.

rock · October 2010

Otter! you, my friend, find the best/worst examples.

And Badger "'Crawl for the cause' reminds me too much of chemo" cracked me up. That doll's eyes DO have a familiar steroid-y gaze, if you look closely.

Love it, love it, love it. Keep 'em coming.

otter · October 2010

rock, you're right about the glassy look in that doll's eyes. It's obviously steroid-induced. Also, I think she just threw up.

BTW, Suzybelle has just started a similar thread over on the "Humor and Games" forum. Her thread is called, "Yes, I am Breast Cancer Girl!!!". So far, it isn't as well-illustrated as this one; but the spirit is the same.

otter

jembs · October 2010

Hey all, I thought it was just me....dreading Pinktober once again. Enough already...please pour the energy, etc.... blah, blah.

I used to love Pink, it was a good color for me. I have a number of pink t-shits, sweaters, etc, but have trouble wearing them...because of the pink thing. I hate to be this way, because it certainly has brought awareness etc to the cause, but as I Can Do This said how can anyone on the planet not be aware.

I just want to shut my eyes, hold my breath and get through Pinktober. Unfortunately I am scheduled for my mamogram, etc on the 13th so can't quite avoid it. OMG if I did see pink ribbons on the examining table...I think I would throw up...which I never did do during chemo.

otter · October 2010

For a few minutes this afternoon, I was thinking maybe this thread would work better over on the "Humor and Games" forum. After all, it's purpose is to make us laugh, right?

Then I realized it belongs right here. The title of this forum is "Moving Beyond Cancer"; and that's what we're all trying to do. But, it's hard to "get on with the rest of our lives" this time of year, when we're being bombarded with breast cancer awareness messages and marketing. (I was going to list some examples, but I think we're all too aware of them.)

So, let's pile on and expose some of the most eggregious examples of "cause-based marketing" we've encountered this month.

And, while we're at it, let's consider the possibility that advertisers and marketing departments are hearing our complaints. Take a look at this article, which starts out with a facetious story about the demise of cause-based marketing because of consumer cynicism and distrust: http://adage.com/goodworks/post?article_id=144166

The title of the article is, "The Day Cause Marketing Died: How to Keep Consumers From Getting Fed Up With Corporate Efforts." It's written for advertising execs, but I really appreciated the closing paragraph:

"As always, the consumer will be the ultimate watchdog. The cause formula for success with consumers is very simple: Engage, don't just sell. Educate, don't just market. Find a nonprofit partner that makes sense. And if consumer donations are involved, be open and specific about what they are accomplishing. In the end, you might just sell some more product, too."

otter

[Edited to change "case-based marketing" to "cause-based marketing." What was I thinking???]

iodine · October 2010

That article is spot on! I wonder how many who are not even asscociated with bc feel the same way?

lifegoeson · October 2010

Empire State Building

ktym · October 2010

Can someone give me help in loading pictures? I have a few jpeg images, but when I hit insert above it only wants a URL (which of course my jpeg doesn't have) and when I try to copy past it will only let me copy paste text.

Jane_M · October 2010

Here's a pink project I'm thrilled to be a part of! Beverly Vote, publisher of Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine, has brought together 44 Breast Cancer Thrivers to publish a free e-book. Below is a link that will take you to the book. My story is chapter 35. Enjoy!

www.breastcancerwellness.org/ebook.html