While the month of October is traditionally associated with the rusty red of falling leaves or the mellow orange of giant pumpkins, a new color has taken over as the primary signifier of the fall month.

Pink — based on the ribbons associated with the international symbol of breast cancer awareness.

October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness with the U.S. about disease and how it can be detected, treated and defeated. In commemoration of the month, many local residents, businesses and institutions incorporate the color pink into their clothing, signage and other elements to promote breast cancer awareness.

Communities across the greater Niles and Dowagiac have been no exception to this trend.

The Dowagiac Union Schools, for example, have done a lot in recent weeks to promote breast cancer awareness, with several of their athletic teams donning pink uniforms. During their last home game of the season past Friday, the Chieftains Football team held a “Pink Out” game, going all out with festivities meant to honor those who have battled cancer.

Several area businesses have also stepped up in recent weeks to help support the battle against breast cancer.

In Niles, the Shear Talent Salon raffled off Vera Bradley purses and cosmetic bags, with the proceeds going toward the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. They also sold pink streaks for $10, with the proceeds also going toward breast cancer awareness.

In Dowagiac, the Mane Attraction salon offered a similar deal to its customers, selling $10 pink hair extensions. The money from these extensions will be donated to Cass County Cancer Services, a local charity that provides monetary and other support to cancer patients living in Cass County.

These just among the dozens other businesses and organizations that have dedicated time and energy to promoting efforts to fight this destructive disease. Instead of turning these sales into opportunities for profit, these business owners are instead devoting resources toward allowing their customers to chip in to support organizations that are fighting to end breast cancer and to support those who are struggling to beat it.

We are also encouraged to see residents take advantage of these fundraising efforts. It’s one thing to wear a pink ribbon and say you support ending cancer — it’s another to contribute money to this noble cause.

With only a few days left in October, we encourage those who haven’t found a way to contribute to do so if they can.

A world without cancer is a world worth fighting for.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.