The pink ribbons

Personally, I refuse to get involved with any "pink" activities anywhere or buy any products with the pink ribbon emblazoned it them. I feel that if you want to give to breast cancer research, do so. Donate directly and quietly, don't try to make money off it or use it for publicity. Everyone thinks that - because I've had breast cancer - I should be more into the whole pink thang, but I'm not. I hate pink.

I hate pink and avoid it. I am not a marketing campaign, I am not a runner or walker, I don't care that the NFL promotes the pink, I don't want a pink hat, shirt, shoes or anything else pink. It's time to put the marketing money into research. While I do think that many people benefit from the support and enjoy the activities, I do not. I look at the money spent for research, and how much they spend on triple negative research, and I feel like the orphan of BC.

I just hope one day the pink fades away, the walks and runs stop, and when we say breast cancer people will ask "what is that?

Hopefully we will all see the day of the cure, the day that we all say NOT ONE MORE, because there won't be anyone walking behind us........

it was already over for me when I realized they (I.e. The "pink" establishment) make everyone think there been so much progress in BC treatment that it's like getting the flu! It was hard to get my loved ones to realize how serious this was because all they ever see are the "marketed" success stories.

But when I found out Komen partnered with Kentucky Fried Chicken and Mike's Hard Lemonade, I made sure anyone that cares about me does what was suggested above by another poster. Donate quietly and effectively, directly to research.

I'm so sorry about your recent dx, but we totally get your feelings. The amount of pink marketing has become incredibly offensive. I remember when I was first dx'd and my local hospital handed me a glossy little pink shopping bag with bc literature, and I left thinking, what the heck???! It was like they actually thought a fancy shopping bag was appropriate. OTOH, I have received little gifts from family & friends that featured a pink ribbon, and in those situations, I think you just have to be grateful that they care and are reaching out.

I also think as you navigate your tx and look into SGK a bit more, it will become much clearer that SGK has gotten so carried away with their awareness message and dumping far too many millions back into what has become a marketing holiday for many corporations -- a chance to slap a pink ribbon on their donuts of vacuum cleaners, hoping people will buy more believing they're doing something to support "the cause" -- not to mention the companies whose products actually increase your risk of developing cancer, some of which SGK has actually partnered with in the past. The other thing wrong with SGK's message is that it perpetuates a myth that if you just find your bc early enough, you'll be okay -- basically sweeping anyone with a Stage IV dx under the carpet. This is why so many of us are now fighting back and demanding that donated funds go to research for what is still a deadly disease for far too many.

OTOH... I also feel that totally trashing SGK may confuse people about the past or future benefit of donating to any bc non-profit. So I prefer to say that we have enough awareness, and that we are better served by organizations that spend more than the measly 18% of revenues SGK does on research.

Just my two cents worth... but absolutely you are not alone in feeling the way you do! (((Hugs))) Deanna

Exactly Hopeful! You said much better what I was trying to say. That although early dx is very important. It does not = cure.

And I have always been taught to look at where and how much $$$ actually go to The "mission" before donating. Not nearly high enough with SGK. IMO.

Maybe it's fair to say that at one time the awareness issue was much more important.

Today, as I like to say, I'm pretty Effing aware. What I want to know is what best to do next!

I work in a high school and our girls basketball tam raised $35,000 "Shootin for a Cure". Proceeds go to our local hospital breast cancer center, that's where my $ go ;0)

love the rally cry, Larkspur!

THANK YOU!!!!!!! I will be 2 years out of a double mastectomy 6/26. My first October of Breast Cancer Awareness month nearly did me in! they keep reporting on "tips" not to get breast cancer....no, really? How did I miss all of that! I became so angry over the fact that the media made it sound like you can prevent it! UGHHH!

it may have been mentioned earlier on this thread, but there was a book called Pink Riibons, Inc., which was made into a documentary. It made me cry and it made me mad.

I had to look hard to find it streaming. Netflix and Amazon no longer sell it streaming. Itunes does. It's $5 for a 24 hour rental. Amazon Prime sells the DVD for $14 or so. The rental was thoroughly money well spent. If October and pink and white shirts upset you, watch this. You won't regret it. And it's not terribly scary and personal like the very well done Emperor Of All Maladies. That I should have saved for later. Pink Ribboms Zi should have watched 10 years ago

OMG! I am so glad that I am not the only one that feels this way. I can not stand the pink ribbons. All of my family and friends automatically assume that I would be into that. SO WRONG! I am actually offended. I am a single mother of two teenage girls and up until January, I supported them by myself, working my ass off and barely made it. But I did. Now, I live off the kindness of family, friends and even strangers. I have been very blessed but when I hear of the millions that are donated to SGK, I only think of the other women that are in similar situations that the $ could benefit. I have had to sacrifice alternative treatments, comfort and even proper nutrition because I cant afford it and I know I am not alone. I just think there needs to be more $ for individuals not the pink ribbon. So happy that I am not alone in my revolution.

Hi Travel: I think you did make an awesome point. I have often thought as alone as I sometimes feel with this dreaded business, how much harder and lonelier it is for the men who are dxd. You have my support and good thoughts always. I'm glad you are here. Wait. Not glad you are here. Sad you are here, but since you are here, glad you reached out. Sorry.

Katy

Thanks for your thoughts Katy. Actually, the excellent fellowship of women on BCO is fine by me, and I have great support from my partner, kids and grandkids.

As far as pink goes, while it is very successful for fundraising purposes (I understand that more money is raised for BC research than the rest of the cancers combined) l can understand why having BC and living with pink so out there could be a burden for many.

I'm another non-fan of pink for all the reasons others have stated. I'm dreading October already and it's only June.

NO PINK SHIT indeed. I was diagnosed last Sept., just in time to be gifted with a variety of pink shit, mostly from well meaning and kind co-workers. My spouse and family knew better. Yuck!

The whole pink thing has become almost like a celebration of this crappy disease IMO. Yeah, rah, rah, breast cancer! Count me out.

I'm starting a new job in a couple of weeks and do not intend to tell anyone I had BC, maybe ever, but definitely not until Puketobter has come and gone.