The History Of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

We all see the little pink ribbons, the NFL players and their pink shoes or gloves, and even the bridges and building lit pink in October. Here is a brief history of how the pink movement started and what their goals continue to be. We all want to live in a world where a breast cancer diagnosis isn’t a potential death sentence. The month of October is upon us as we discuss how every woman can help eradicate this disease. Whether it’s a self-check at home, encouraging a friend to get a test, or committing to a 3-day walk while raising money for the cause, we can all do our part and have hope for the future.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month History

In 1985 The American Cancer Society teamed up with the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca, producer of several anti-breast cancer drugs) and Betty Ford as a breast cancer survivor. What started small has now become a huge month-long awareness campaign that has used the color pink to signify to women the importance of breast cancer awareness. Since that first event, many organizations have joined hands to help create what we now have today. An international health campaign focused on education and showing support for women and breast cancer survivors. Running the entire month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to educate women on the importance of screening and testing. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Partners

In 1993 Evelyn Lauder, of Estée Lauder Companies, founded The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and established the pink ribbon as its symbol. The first known person to use a ribbon to support breast cancer was Charlotte Haley, a California woman with an extensive family history of breast cancer. She handed out peach ribbons because she felt there was inadequate funding for breast cancer research. The Susan G. Komen Foundation handed out pink ribbons to participants in its 1991 New York City race honoring breast cancer survivors. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Events

Global events highlight Breast Cancer Awareness month from walks and races to professional sports teams displaying pink in their uniforms and commercial buildings with high visibility lighting up pink for the month.  The sense of community that the breast cancer awareness movement has created is nearly unmatched, and the hope for a cure is felt by all. 

ugo™ Has Our Very Own Breast Cancer Warrior 

October is also the month that we celebrate breast cancer survivors like our co-founder Vicky who beat breast cancer not once but twice!!  Vicky wanted all of you to know that early detection was an absolute game-changer for her both times, so she encourages everyone to get those annual mammograms.

Vicky’s other advice to anyone who has or is fighting breast cancer is never to stop fighting. "Your body might be scarred, but your will to survive is a powerful thing!"

So much has happened in Vicky’s life since her second diagnosis 11 years ago, but the one thing that we at ugo wear are so grateful for is her decision to live a life with no regrets and always chose freedom over fear. That will has been a driving force in her own life and our business, which she co-founded at the age of 60 almost seven years ago.

ugo™ and Breast Cancer 

Today and the rest of this month, as we all sport the color pink to bring attention to breast cancer awareness, let us not forget those who have lost their battle with breast cancer. Please take a moment out of your busy day today to remember them and their families.

This year we thought of the perfect product design to promote pink and raise awareness. The Limited Edition Pink Plaid Signature Collection!

Use Coupon Code: 20PINK at check out to receive 20% OFF all Pink Plaid Products. This is a limited edition product, so hurry up and pre-order while supplies last! 

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