The Power of Pink

What do you think of when you see pink? To a young girl, she may see pink in a ballerina’s tutu and matching pointe shoes or a pretty Easter dress.

To a woman, pink is synonymous with breast cancer awareness. In fact, most adults associate this color - often considered a feminine favorite - with worldwide efforts to raise awareness of this cancer that affects one in eight women.

Breast cancer knows no boundaries. It touches our sisters and daughters, mothers and grandmothers, neighbors and friends. It touches us all.

The gently curved ribbon of pink has been in use for nearly 20 years. This international symbol represents strength and courage and the will to fight. Each October, it is prominently displayed to show moral support. The pink ribbon calls us to action. It invites us to imagine what’s possible.

Through Pink Possible, Aurora Health Care dedicates the month of October to reach out to the community and promote breast cancer awareness. Activities and events during the month help raise funds for our patients and their families. These efforts include:

• Panera Bread Bakery and Cafes in eastern Wisconsin donate 10 cents from the sale of each Pink Ribbon Bagel. In addition, participating Panera locations donate $1 for each baker's dozen of bagels purchased (any variety) throughout October.
• Aurora partners with area salons during the month of October to offer pink hair extensions, pink manicures and pedicures. The public is invited to show support by making an appointment to get a pink hair extension, sold for $15 at participating salons and select community events.
• Throughout October, 22 Aurora Pharmacy locations donate 10 percent of the proceeds from the sale of special "pink" merchandise.
• Many other partners across eastern Wisconsin carry out their own unique projects and activities throughout the month to support breast health efforts in their community.

Proceeds from these activities support education, prevention and survivorship. Together, these gifts offer women a chance to grow stronger physically, emotionally and mentally following a breast cancer diagnosis.

In 2011, the community’s support through Pink Possible helped us raise nearly $40,000 for Aurora Breast Health Funds. At the forefront of breast cancer treatment and research, specialists at Aurora Health Care have made significant advances in helping women and men cope with the impact this diagnosis has on their lives.

Aurora is also home to seven Comprehensive Breast Health Centers that are accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a consortium of national, professional organizations dedicated to the improvement of the quality of care and monitoring of outcomes of patients with diseases of the breast.

This certification and national recognition ensures that our patients will have access to comprehensive care, a multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options and information about ongoing clinical trials.

Thank you to our friends and community partners who continue to support our purpose to help people live well.

And behold the power of pink.

For more information or to make a gift in support of Aurora Breast Health efforts, click here.