Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, which means many of us know someone affected by the disease. In 1985, October was designated National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and within a few years, pink was adopted as its call-to-action color. This October, there are many ways to help the cause and celebrate life. There are events including the Illuminations of Light ceremony (October 5); Gloria Gemma’s Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life on (October 5-6) where the Rhode Island State House glows in a pretty pink, the Gloria Gemma 5K (October 6); and more.
GIFTS FOR GOOD FROM TWO NEW ENGLAND WOMEN-OWNED BRANDS
Additionally, you can show your support on your sleeve – or feet – by purchasing goods from from entrepreneuers on a mission to energize others with style and comfort.
Gwendolyn Gardner, Newport
Simply Chickie, founder & designer
Give the gift of 100% organic cotton comfort, while giving back
Gwendolyn Gardner created Simply Chickie for families in need of affordable, organic baby clothing after an impactful life event. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” begins Gardner. “That same week, I found out that I was pregnant with my little girl (yup, you read that right!). It was a transforming time. I started thinking about what I put in my body and what I put on it. I paid attention to smells and food and everything that came in contact with my mouth and my skin. I needed to live because I was going to be a single mom, and I needed to be here for my newborn daughter for years to come. In my search to find 100% cotton sustainable baby and toddler clothes, Simply Chickie was born.”
The brand’s exclusive puffin design and tagline “In this Together” is a collaboration with Brownstone Surrogacy, to celebrate family building through surrogacy. A portion of October proceeds will benefit A Chance for Life, an organization that funds a full surrogacy journey for a young breast cancer survivor. Use PUFFIN20 at checkout for 20% off your Simply Chickie purchase in October. SimplyChickieClothing.com
Lisa Carlin, Boston, MA
Poppies with Purpose, founder & creator
Give the gift of courage
Lisa Carlin is a breast cancer “thriver” who shares that she found courage in pink shoes. “I created a purposefully brightly-colored shoe collection to spark the same feelings of bravery and connection for those impacted by cancer that I felt when I wore them.” Each pair is wrapped in a washable, colorful duster bag and adorned with a gold-plated poppy flower charm on the right heel. $130/pair includes the washable duster bag and Poppies with Purpose pledges 10% of net proceeds to female cancer researchers and local non-profits. Each color brings intentional treatment support awareness: Pink | Breast cancer; Navy | Colon cancer; Orange | Kidney cancer and Leukemia. PoppiesWithPurpose.com
Read October’s Rhody Health in partnership with South County Health to learn about the importance of screenings and more. SoRhodeIsland October
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