Shopping is not really our first line of defense against breast cancer.
But even so, we’re proud to support some of the companies, big and
small, that are offering special items to help raise funds for research
and patient support during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
We’ve worked hard to only pick out the items that are so great, they really do justice to this noble cause.
Every day I pass a photo of my sister-in-law’s smiling face and am reminded of how breast cancer tried to take that smile from all of us who love her so much. So, mamas, remember: Do those self-exams. See your doctor regularly and get those mammograms. And if you can walk, run, donate or raise funds for a special breast cancer foundation, now is a great time to do it. -Christina
[see some fabulous BCA support items below]
The ubiquitous pink ribbon gets a sophisticated upgrade in this sterling silver
Hope Necklace from a Singapore Etsy artist who’s a survivor herself. (shown above). I love the metal “ribbon” twist with a sparkling pink crystal bead hanging from one end. Something else to love? Almost 20% of the purchase price will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation of Singapore. [Note: If it looks sold out, convo the seller and see if she can make another for you.]
Avon’s Marimekko Tote is so elegant, I want it just for its looks alone. But, with a price tag of only $10 and 100% of net profits going to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, this take-everywhere bag looks even better. I also love that Avon includes a free Breast Health Resource Guide with every purchase so that we can all take care of ourselves, even as we are helping others.
Need something soft, squishy and pink for a baby girl in your life? Check out
Dandelion’s Pink Collection of sweet and simple organic plush toys which also help raise funds for Breast Cancer Research.
California Baby’s I Love You product line includes a delicious-smelling bubble bath, massage oil and spritzer with scents that ease tension for both the bather and the bathee. The ingredients are organic or sustainably grown, and free of icky chemicals and fragrances too. They donate a portion of their proceeds to the California Breast Cancer Research Program, and check out their site for a special discount on their I Love You line just for the month of October.
Our editor Liz is a wild devotee of Parisian label Anne Fontaine, and their gorgeously classic-yet-modern white shirts. They’re not cheap, but you’ll have yours forever. Fans should check out her new vibrant pink blouse on sale in stores only this month with 20% of the retail price going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The Republic of Tea’s Sip for the Cure collection has been raising money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure for years, though this limited-edition
Promise Me tin of their yummy pink grapefruit tea had me reaching for the tissues. The image, taken from the memoir of Nancy Brinker, the founder of Susan G Komen for the Cure, features a sweet photo of her and her big sister, Susan.
I love that necklace! These are all great items for a great cause 🙂
Hi there,
My mother died of cancer and I’m all for awareness (although who isn’t “aware” of breast cancer at this point)but I just want to put forth a plea to look with a critical eye on consumer marketing.
Many times the money for the cause it purports to champion is very nominal or is used to support massive events (ie multi-day walks and administrative costs) rather than research or prevention, and in some cases the products themselves even contain ingredients that have themselves been linked to cancer.This critique isn’t targeted specifically at these products, but “pinkwashing” is a huge industry. It is a very good way for corporations to promote their brand without really supporting efforts to END cancer or provide accessible, high quality health care.
Here is a link to Breast Cancer Action and some additional food for thought, thanks for considering this point of view:
https://thinkbeforeyoupink.org/
Think Before You Pink, a project of Breast Cancer Action, launched in 2002 in response to the growing concern about the overwhelming number of pink ribbon products and promotions on the market. The campaign calls for more transparency and accountability by companies that take part in breast cancer fundraising, and encourages consumers to ask critical questions about pink ribbon promotions.
Thanks Emily, we couldn’t agree more. We’ve covered Breast Cancer Action and thinkbeforeyoupink.com in the past and urge our readers to also educate themselves about pinkwashing.
I can assure you that we’ve culled through literally dozens of pitches to recommend items from companies that we believe put their hearts and funds in the right place. Some survivors and families of survivors want to show their support by wearing or purchasing pink ribbon merchandise, and so we’ve limited it to the one item we really felt we could stand behind.
I just realised that my “Hope” pink ribbon necklace has been featured here! Thank you so much! As a survivor, this cause is very real to me.
While most people know what breast cancer is, it’s usually thought of as someone else’s disease. I hope to spread awareness not just about what this cancer is, but also that it can happen to anybody, especially when it did to me when I was 26.
Thank you Cool Mom Picks for picking it. 🙂