Give Back During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
September 30, 2019
With the leaves starting to fall, autumn is a reminder of change. This reminder can also inspire people to create their own positive change, and fortunately, October is the perfect opportunity to do just that. For one, it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and below we highlight some ways you can help support and increase awareness throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
Whether you’re able to contribute financially through participating or fundraising, volunteering, or just spreading the word, it’s fulfilling to give back however you can. Besides helping others, the act of giving also feels good, so everyone wins.
Breast Cancer Awareness Events
Image courtesy of Making Strides
Making Strides
Appleton: Saturday, October 12 | 7:00 AM Check-in, 9:00 AM walk
Green Bay: Saturday, October 19 | 8:00 AM Check-in, 10:00 AM walk
Image courtesy of Making Strides
Making Strides was started by the American Cancer Society as three to five mile non-competitive walks that bring people together in the fight against breast cancer. Each event raises money to fund research, provide info and support, and help people reduce risk. Whether you walk or volunteer, there are events in both Appleton and Green Bay in October, making it easy to participate whichever region you’re in. Or, make even greater strides by attending both.
Purely Pink
Saturday, October 12 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Image courtesy of Purely Pink
On Saturday, October 12, head over to Bay Park Square Mall in Ashwaubenon and pick up a healthy and tasty juice or smoothie from Dirt Juicery in this pop-up for a cause put on by Pure Barre Green Bay. If that doesn’t sound yummy enough, all proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Family Foundation, which educates families about the risks of cancer and how to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Treat yourself and help others!
Body in Balance Yoga
October 22 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Image courtesy of Body in Balance
Sign up for this October 22 restorative yoga class in Ashwaubenon to help benefit cancer education in local schools. Participants will be guided by The Yoga Loft’s Donna Mahoney into long comfortable poses while harpist Nancy Cahee plays soothing sounds to focus on. Come prepared to relax while supporting a good cause with good vibrations. No prior yoga experience necessary!
Hope Strength Love Virtual 5k Run Walk
October 1 – 31
Image courtesy of Hope Strength Love
Participate from anywhere in the Fox Valley and beyond! This virtual event runs the entire month of October and allows participants the ability to run or walk indoors or outside on their own schedule. Whenever you finish, simply submit your results and earn your medal. Hosted by Virtual Run Challenge, a portion of the registration fee goes toward raising awareness and money to fund research, support services, and early detection. This is an easy way to put some of your exercise time toward helping others.
Ongoing Awareness and Support
Of course, Breast Cancer Awareness is only one of the many efforts organizations have developed to help people become more aware of, and avoid, signs of cancer. Below are some other cancer awareness and support events in the Fox Cities that offer opportunities to give back through participation, fundraising, and volunteering, this month and beyond.
Light the Night Walk
Friday, October 4 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Image courtesy of Light The Night
Hosted by Green Bay Oncology, this all-ages group walk takes place on October 4 in Appleton. Registration is free, but participants are encouraged to raise funds to help support the mission. Participants raising $100 or more will be honored as “Champions for a Cure” and will receive food and a Light the Night Walk t-shirt at the event.
The 10th Annual Miles for Myeloma
Saturday, October 5 | 7:30 AM Packet pick-up and same-day registration, 9:00 AM Walk/run begins
Image courtesy of Mission Myeloma
Mission Myeloma hosts this annual event in Appleton on Saturday, October 5. Featuring a five mile and two mile walk/run, Miles for Myeloma proceeds benefit the organization’s support of patients and families affected by this rare cancer, as well as supporting research for a cure.
Rock N’ Roll Over Cancer
Thursday, October 10 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Image courtesy of Snowdrop Foundation
On October 10, Rock N’ Roll Over Cancer combines music with a cause, donating 100% of its funds toward cancer research or scholarships. Listen to some local, original music while supporting the host, Snowdrop Foundation of Wisconsin, whose mission is to provide scholarships for college-bound childhood cancer survivors.
Preparing to Give
If you’re already participating at these kinds of events and want to contribute more, but don’t have the funds to do that financially, most of them rely on volunteers to organize and help in other ways. Contact the host of your preferred event to learn more about other ways to get involved.
Financially, any amount of giving helps, but if your heart and wallet aren’t necessarily at the same level, Unison Credit Union can help you create a savings plan so that you can more comfortably make future donations to causes that are important to you. From Money Market Accounts to Term Share Certificates and basic Savings Accounts, we can work with you to find the best solution to reach your goals. Visit a Member Advisor at any of our branches to learn more about the types of services we offer.