Let’s Get Real with Jennifer Poole
It is October and Breast Cancer Awareness month. Everywhere we turn will be pink products with promises to give money to research and screenings. Every little bit helps the cause, but be aware of the businesses that jump on board the PINK train just to get you buy the product. If it is something you would already purchase, then by all means do so. But if you are thinking of getting a new vacuum in pink because they donate to cancer research be sure to read the fine print. If only $5 of the $450 purchase price is going to be donated then you might reconsider unless you really need it.
Some companies even use cancer causing ingredients and now want you to buy more of it to help them donate money to support treatment. Seems a little counter-productive to me. Other businesses will donate a set amount regardless of how many items they sell so don’t feel obligated to buy the product in bulk. That said, I try to curb my love of M&Ms until October and then splurge on some pink ones. As a breast cancer survivor I buy many pink items but I usually get them through Komen or The Pink Ribbon Shop where I know a large percentage of my purchase price is going to helping them treat women and helping find a cure.
You can research the good, the bad, and the ugly in pink supporters for October at www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org And the most important thing you can do during Breast Cancer Awareness month is check yourself, get a mammogram, and do not wait if you have concerns. You are never too young to have breast cancer!
