Pink October

I'm concernd about the unscrupulous companies that package something in pink to capitalize on our grief.  Other than that, of course I'm grateful of any contributions truly made to the cause.  Some of the products are just plain funny, though.  Eggs printed with a pink ribbon?  Really?  :-)

E

Laurie you are not the only one! I embrace the pink. Although I have never liked pink, I am truly grateful that people recognize what it stands for and they open their wallets. More money is raised for BC in the month of October than any other time. I know that there are corporations that may take advantage of the marketing/sales opportunity but the majority are legitimate. I donate to the local food bank and yet I know that some people who use it don't need it: I donate to other charitable organizations that I'm sure some people take advantage of but I still give anyway because I know that the ones who take advantage are a small minority. I just want to do whatever I can to raise money so we can get a cure or a vaccine and wipe out this disease. I don't want my daughter or another generation to have BC in their future. If I have to wear the pink to get some cash then so be it.

I fall into the "Pink Stinks" category, to be honest. Since this forum section is about finances and insurance, I feel compelled to point out that almost none of the "pink"-related organizations do much of anything of real value to help those of us who HAVE or HAVE HAD breast cancer. Especially those like myself who fall between the cracks because we don't have insurance but are not YET poor enough to qualify for any help from the so-called charity programs. There are a lot of us bc gals who are teetering on the edge of financial disaster but none of the Pink money goes for that.

Let's be honest: a free wig and a free exercise class don't mean diddly-squat in practical terms. Those things are LUXURIES, not necessities --  and its the necessities that current patients need help with.

That is only one of the reasons why Pink and Pinktober offend me, but since this is a financial topic area, I'll just stick to that.

I can't relate to the financial issues regarding insurance coverage etc because I live in Canada so coverage was not an issue for me. I didn't have to worry about any co-pays, deductibles or anything like that. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for some of you gals facing financial decisions due to SFBC ( Stupidd F'N BC). I had enough to worry about without adding the financial stress. However, I am grateful for the funds that get raised. The money goes to research which develops new drugs and treatments, as well as wigs, prosthesis, mental health programs, social work progarms etc for those that need it.  I really feel for all the people that are faced with no insurance .....I understand why you may not give a darn about other free services. It must be so disheartening for so many people that don't have adequate coverage. I may be naive but I really hope that any funds that are raised during the big PINK ribbon campaign works towards better solutions for everyone. I am still hopeful and I will continue to embrace the PINK....$$$$ = cure....we don't have an alternative to the PINK yet so I say take what we can get and hopefully we will find the cure.

Edited to add: We absolutely need a cure but awareness and early detection still need to be highlighted. IBC and ILC still don't get the attention they need. Everyone is still looking for the little round lump....guess what...I am educated and well informed but ILC was a sneaky little cancer that caught me off guard...no one ever told me to look for anything but a lump...I now know that a thickening of tissue even though it is not a round lump is a big red flag. What do people with IBC know ahead of time. ...not much! There is still a lot of eduaction to be done.

Cheers to all my BC sisters

Beth P

I don't mind the pink....its not just awareness for me...but I want people to put a face to BC...to know how many lives are impacted by the beast....I'm not for pink vacuums or pink food processors, but I don't mind the pink ribbons or bracelets etc...We not only need a cure, we need a prevention....we need support for women (and men) who don't have insurance for hte $ to pay for the needed Tx....

I have mixed feelings about it.   I am for anything that promotes awareness, but it's not fair that a company that doesn't contribute should be able to use the same pink label as a contributing company.