October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and due to the global pandemic, there have been many changes to the way organizations are holding fundraisers and events. Along with all of the COVID-19 cases that have increased in our country, there are still people today battling cancer. There are current treatments for breast cancer such as radiation and chemotherapy, but most of these treatments weaken the immune system. This is something that poses significant risks to their health as those undergoing these treatments could have their immune systems compromised. According to the Susan G. Komen, an organization

Graphic by Ashley Van Havere

that attends and hosts events to engage community members and share breast health messaging, this year more than 270,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer.  

     “One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime,” the Susan G. Komen website said. 

     Throughout the month, many organizations in Pitt County have been working to raise awareness and funds for these patients. Susan G. Komen North Carolina Triangle to the Coast has held the Triangle Race for the Cure event for 24 years, which is their largest annual event with around 8,000 attendees. This event raises over 800,000 dollars for breast cancer care and research. They also host the Finding Solutions Research Series, which holds a breakfast, cocktail and luncheon that focuses on the latest breast cancer research findings. However, many of these events have been altered, which has a significant impact on their fundraising. 

     “We hosted the Triangle Race for the Cure virtually via Facebook Live on Sept. 12 and offered several opportunities for participants to engage in ancillary events from home,” signature events & corporate engagement director Marisa Madia said. “Two out of the three events in the Finding Solutions Research Series have been canceled for this year, [and] the third has shifted to a virtual educational series...”

     The Together We Thrive Gala for metastatic breast cancer research, took place virtually this weekend on Saturday, Oct. 10. Susan G. Komen was able to raise 150,000 dollars to help raise funds for a new collaborative research initiative between scientists at Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The “Shop for the Cure” partnership with Kendra Scott at the North Hills and Southpoint in Raleigh is taking place on Friday, Oct. 23, from 4-6 p.m. At these stores, they will be donating 20% of sales when customers mention “Komen” at checkout. The jewelry store, Kendra Scott is also donating 20% of sales made online from Oct. 23-24 when shoppers use “GIVEBACK9503” at checkout.

     “We appreciated their willingness to continue their annual donation and for finding a way to make it accessible for folks who would prefer to support from home by shopping online,” Madla said. 

     While there are still precautions to ensure everyone’s safety, it is important to be aware of cancer patients, who have a higher risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus. Throughout the month of October, many take the time to remember the people who fight their battle with breast cancer, and give back when they can. 

     If interested, one can make a donation to Susan G. Komen in support of national Breast Cancer Awareness month by clicking this link- https://secure.info-komen.org/site/Donationdf_id=23488&23488.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T