Media contact: Beena Thannickal
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women other than skin cancer. Many factors influence breast cancer risk, including family history, lifestyle habits and advancing age. Although breast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear, many women with breast cancer have no symptoms at all. Regular mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it progresses.
Since its inception in 1996, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama has raised more than $9.7 million to support cancer research at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The BCRFA helps ensure physicians and scientists can seize every opportunity for groundbreaking discovery and bring them directly to their patients.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the BCRFA and other local organizations are hosting both in-person and virtual events in and around Birmingham.
Sept. 27-Oct. 31: Burnette Farms Market & Café
Enjoy pints of homemade pink vanilla ice cream from Burnette Farms, with all proceeds supporting the BCRFA.
October: Cahaba Brewing Goes Pink for BCRFA
During the entire month of October, stop by Cahaba Brewing Company anytime as they go pink. Cahaba Brewing will have a tart cherry and hibiscus Berliner Weisse specially brewed for the month with a percentage of proceeds benefiting the BCRFA.
October: The Four Course Sessions
Every Thursday in October, you can join Thrivent, Brick & Tin, and the BCRFA for the inaugural “Four Course Sessions.” Participants will enjoy good food and great company while virtually learning about wise giving strategies. You can attend one session or all four.
October: Pink Up The Pace 2020
The third annual Pink Up The Pace, presented by Vulcan Materials, is going virtual. Join the BCRFA to raise funds and awareness for local, lifesaving breast cancer research by running during the month of October. Runners can compete for fastest 5K time or participate in the collaborative distance challenge, connecting runners across the state of Alabama to reach a total of 4,120 miles together to represent the 4,120 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Alabama this year. The event also features a youth 1-mile run, scooter and bike race.
October: Standard Heating & Air $5 for $5 Campaign
Standard Heating & Air will donate $5 to the BCRFA for every service call completed during the month of October. During the campaign, Alabamians are encouraged to match the $5 pledge to transform each service call into $10 in donations. The company will also put up pink billboards during October.
October: Pink Ribbon Project
Fire stations across the state will “Go Pink” to support breast cancer research in Alabama throughout the month of October. More than 20 stations across Alabama will be selling specially designed Pink Ribbon Project T-shirts for $15 and $20. Proceeds will help the BCRFA provide seed dollars required to secure national grants for breast cancer research at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB.
October: Tameron Automotive Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
Tameron Automotive Group will donate $100 in support of breast cancer research for every new car sold at Tameron Honda and Tameron Hyundai in October. Tameron donates more than $25,000 each year through this partnership.
October: Renasant Bank Fundraising Campaign
Renasant branches statewide will hold fundraisers for the BCRFA and accept donations from their account holders throughout the month of October. Renasant Mortgage will donate $50 for every mortgage closed in October with Renasant. This partnership has raised more than $100,000 since its inception.
October: Brighton Collectibles “Power of Pink”
Brighton Collectibles will have items designed specifically for breast cancer awareness, including bracelets and other gifts. The UAB Angel Squad will receive $10 for every breast cancer awareness bracelet sold at Brighton Collectibles at The Summit Birmingham, and a portion of the sale for the other breast cancer awareness items. If you would like to purchase an item and cannot come to the store, call 205-972-4662 to order an item, and Brighton Collectibles will mail the purchase at no charge.
October: ARC Realty Blue Goes Pink
ARC Realty will donate $25 to the BCRFA for each new property listing that happens during October. All proceeds will support breast cancer research in Alabama.
October: Stokes Automotive Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
Stokes Automotive in Clanton will donate $100 to the BCRFA for every new car sold at Stokes Automotive. More than $8,000 was raised in support of research in 2019.
October: Calera Goes Pink!
Join the City of Calera as they “Go Pink” to support breast cancer research in Alabama. This citywide event kicks off with the Calera High School football game Friday, Oct. 2, and a golf tournament at Timberline Golf Club on Sunday, Oct. 11.
Oct. 3: Pinked Out Saturday
As part of “Small Business Saturday” in Eutaw, Alabama, shoppers receive breast cancer information and resources while networking with local businesses. Email coeinfo@uab.edu for more information.
Oct. 10: Boot Camp and Blood Drive for Breast Cancer
The Center Point Community Center will host Boot Camp for Breast Cancer starting at 8 a.m., followed by a blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross. They will offer two boot camp sessions where participants will be encouraged to wear pink as they get in a heart-pumping workout. All proceeds from the boot camp will benefit the BCRFA. For every pint of blood received during the blood drive, $10 will be donated to the BCRFA.
Oct. 10: “Pink Pop-Up” by V.I.R.T.U.E., Inc.
Leading up to its virtual race, V.I.R.T.U.E. will host a PINK (Pop IN Knowledge) Pop-Up from 10 a.m.-noon. At this event, race participants can pick up race swag and receive educational materials on women’s health. This pop-up event will take place at More Than Conquerors Faith Church. Email info@virtueinc.org for more information.
Oct. 13: Sister Talk
The O’Neal Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach & Engagement will host a webinar to initiate a candid conversation among women regarding the myths, fears and questions around breast cancer. The event features a diverse group of breast cancer survivors as panelists. Register to join.
Oct. 17: Calera Elks Lodge “Pink Ribbon Prom”
Calera Elks Lodge will host a “Pink Ribbon Prom” to raise funds for lifesaving breast cancer research in Alabama. A prom king and queen will be crowned based on fundraising results.
Oct. 17: Change for a Cure
This annual cancer awareness walk is now a drive-thru event where participants are asked to donate spare change, including cash or coins. As cancer patients have to travel frequently to see their doctor, the funds raised from this event are used to help make transportation arrangements for cancer patients in their communities. This event will be held at Green Leaf Baptist Church in Greensboro, Alabama. Email coeinfo@uab.edu for more information.
Oct. 17: Run with V.I.R.T.U.E.
The Run with V.I.R.T.U.E. 5K will take place Saturday, Oct. 17, beginning at 7 a.m. The virtual race can be run, walked or jogged from anywhere. Participants may complete the race at any time between Sunday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 17. All times must be posted to Run with V.I.R.T.U.E. by noon, Saturday, Oct. 17.
Oct. 18: Pink Sunday Drive-thru
The O’Neal Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach & Engagement will host its annual Pink Sunday event as a drive-thru, where participants can receive educational resources and information on breast cancer awareness. This event will be held at First Baptist Church in Linden, Alabama. Email coeinfo@uab.edu for more information.
Oct. 19: Breast Cancer 101
The O’Neal Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach & Engagement will host an educational webinar to address the basics of breast cancer, including screening, prevention, treatment and more. The session will feature the O’Neal Cancer Center’s Helen Krontiras, M.D., as a guest speaker. Register to join.
Oct. 22-23: Kendra Scott Shopping Event
Shop with Kendra Scott online Oct. 22-23 or at their location at the Summit on Oct. 22 to give back 20 percent to the BCRFA. In store, just mention that you are there for the BCRFA sale. To get the online code, check BCRFA’s Instagram page.
Oct. 23: 11th annual Pink Luncheon
Make a minimum donation of $25 to the BCRFA to enjoy a buffet, fun and prizes at MSE Building Co. Call 205-833-9010 to RSVP.
Oct. 31: CrossFit Chelsea’s Fight Like a Girl
Head out to CrossFit Chelsea to Fight Like a Girl, a two-person, mixed-gender CrossFit team event raising funds and awareness for the BCRFA.