October in the pink for breast cancer awareness

HUNTSVILLE — October is a time of unity, action, and education across the country for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In Alabama, many businesses and organizations are going a step further to raise money for local, lifesaving breast cancer research across the state.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) has partnered with more than 25 groups from schools to car dealerships, banks to real estate brokerages, who want to make a meaningful difference. Funds raised by BCRFA partners will support breakthroughs in breast cancer diagnostics, treatments, and prevention methods that ultimately save lives. All money stays in Alabama, but the impact is worldwide.

“The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama takes pride in its role of advancing local research and raising awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to ensure a healthier future for all,” said President & CEO Beth Davis. “Witnessing our partners unite behind our mission fills me with inspiration and hope for a future without breast cancer, all thanks to pioneering research.”

In 2022, BCRFA invested more than $1.275 million in 24 groundbreaking projects across seven Alabama-based institutes, thanks in part to its Breast Cancer Awareness Month partners. The organization is set to unveil its 2023 grant awards in December, further emphasizing its commitment to fostering life-saving research.

“Funding for research remains absolutely crucial,” Davis said. “But Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also a poignant time to celebrate the triumphs of breast cancer survivors, pay tribute to those we’ve lost, and, most importantly, rally others to join the fight against this disease that touches so many.”

One in eight women and one in 1,000 men will face a breast cancer diagnosis at some point in their life. In Alabama alone, this year will see an estimated 4,500 women diagnosed and 720 lives lost. However, largely due to investments in research and early detection — breast cancer death rates are on a downward trajectory. Thirty years ago, 4 out of 5 breast cancer patients succumbed to the illness. Today, these numbers have reversed, with 4 out of 5 breast cancer patients triumphing over cancer.

In addition to business and community partners, the BCRFA is also eager to partner with individuals eager to join the fight against breast cancer. People can participate at any of the community events below.

For those without an event nearby, supporting BCRFA is as simple as donating, getting the Breast Cancer Research license plate, picking up pink apparel at the BCRFA shop, or even organizing their own fundraiser.

 North Alabama Community Partner Events 

• ARC Realty “Blue Goes Pink”  – ARC Realty will donate $25 for each new property listing in October while encouraging employees and agents to raise funds and awareness. ARC is also partnering with Birmingham area restaurants throughout October. Participating restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds from their Blue Goes Pink night to the campaign.
• Capstone Realty “Blue Goes Pink” (Huntsville area/statewide) – Capstone Realty will donate $25 for each new property listing in October while encouraging employees and agents to raise funds and awareness.
• First Metro Bank “Pink-Out Campaign” – First Metro Bank will host several breast cancer awareness events at its 11 branch locations in the Florence, Muscle Shoals, and Athens area.
• GripStarz “Pink Out the State Tour” – Gripstarz is hosting a statewide car cruise featuring car shows throughout the state in October. Guests are invited to make a donation and sign the banner to show their support.
• Renasant Bank – Renasant branches across Alabama are raising funds through community fundraisers, t-shirt sales, and donations from the public and to support the BCRFA and Alabama breast cancer research.