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Inspirations > Pink Ribbon of Hope |
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In 1992 the pastel pink ribbon made its debut as the universal symbol of breast cancer awareness. Wearing of the pink lapel ribbon or pin represents strength and support of the ongoing efforts to educate the population about breast cancer, prevention, mammography, early detection and to promote general awareness, and it works!
Why is the symbol pink? In excerpts from an article in MAMM Magazine, June/July 1998: "Pink is the quintessential female color. The profile on pink is playful, life-affirming. We have studies as to its calming effect, its quieting effect, its lessening of stress." [pastel pink] is a shade known to be health giving; that's why we have expressions like 'in the pink'. "What better color to pin on then pink - girlie, pretty, healthy pink?"
In the fall of 1991 the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was the first to use the pink ribbon as a breast cancer symbol when it gave out pink ribbons to every participant in its New York City race. In the fall of 1992, Self Magazine in partnership with Estee Lauder Cosmetic Company, handed out 1.5 million ribbons at Lauder makeup counters. Since then literally hundreds of companies have manufactured and sold thousands of pink ribbons, and pink ribbon products.
Among the pink ribbon products available are clothing, candles, shoes, caps, pens, key chains, coffee mugs, tote bags, balloons, nail files, towels, stuffed animals, greeting cards, sticky pads and much, much more. The most commonly seen and used pink ribbon products are the lapel pins. Many different manufacturers have their own creative designs, everything from satin ribbon, plastic or enamel, to Swarovski crystals and diamonds. Many of these companies donate a portion from their sales to breast cancer organizations. You can locate the phone numbers of these for profit and not for profit companies and their product lines on the internet.
Anytime is a good time to wear a pink ribbon showing support, but October is breast cancer awareness month, and the perfect opportunity to create awareness. You will be surprised at how many people, even strangers, will recognize it and comment, nod or smile in support!
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