Fall is in the air and October has officially arrived. Of course with the arrival of every new month comes the results for Comments for a Cause on It’s Just Life and the reveal of the new recipient for the following month. So here we go!
In September I decided to focus my attention on the horrible Derecho storm that affected many parts of Iowa. While none of my close friends had damage from the storm that was not the case for so many. I chose United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties as the recipient for Comments for a Cause because they appeared to have a lot going on in their efforts to help those affected by this storm. With all of the comments made on the blog this month I am happy to announce that Chris and I will be making a donation of $131 to United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties to help with their work with the aftermath of the Derecho. Thanks to all who have commented so faithfully this month.
October is traditionally the month that we think of as Breast Cancer Awareness month and having been a supporter of all things that relate to this in the past I wanted to find a new cause. Sometimes I ask my friends for the best places to donate and in this case I went to my friend and neighbor, Elaine, who is a breast cancer survivor. She was happy to point me in the direction of an amazing non profit based out of Jacksonville, Florida, that has been a great source of help and support for many.
In the Pink is a 501c3 non-profit boutique and salon dedicated to helping women heal, cope and survive the effects of cancer…physically and emotionally. Some of the things that they offer are listed below as listed on their website:
- Free YOGA for cancer patients (Jax Beach location)
- Breast prosthetic fittings
- Post-mastectomy bras and swimwear
- Post-surgical garments with drain pouches
- Weightless breast forms for post-surgery and leisure wear
- Wig selection and fitting
- Scarves, hats and turbans
- Skincare products developed for radiation and chemotherapy patients.
- In the Pink is a care center provider of Miaderm Radiation Relief! Miaderm is formulated using ingredients that are supported by science. The ingredients were shown by peer-reviewed research to be effective at reducing the occurrence and severity of radiation dermatitis. Get relief and avoid skin damage. Each tube of Miaderm will last two-three weeks. The 4-ounce tube sells for $36. If you or someone you love is having radiation treatment, stop by In the Pink for a tube of Miaderm.
- Salon, which includes free head shaving and wig fitting (Jax Beach & Sarasota locations only)
- Educational and inspirational books
- Gifts for patients, families, and caregivers
- Cancer resource center with free computer access
- Lymphedema products
- Compression garment fittings
- Dragon boat teams for survivors (Jacksonville only)
- Private parties: “Survivor Showers” and “Head Shaving Parties”
- Caring support from a loving staff
I absolutely love all of the innovative ways that they are reaching out to their community to help those who are living with a cancer diagnosis.
And what, you may ask, is a dragon boat? Dragon boats are human powered water crafts that originated in China. However the competitive racing has reached far beyond the borders of China and In the Pink purchased some boats of their own to encourage the locals in Jacksonville to take up the sport. In the Pink has the only all breast cancer team in Jacksonville, the Mammoglams. This team likes competition, though feels they are winners before entering the boat. The Mammoglams live by the motto, “We’ve won the battle…now let’s paddle!” I am very proud to say that my friend Elaine is part of this group and is currently looking forward to a competition in 2022 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Photo from In the Pink website.
Please join me this month and support In the Pink by leaving your comments on my blog posts. Each comment on any post during the month (even on old posts) means a 50 cent contribution to In the Pink (with a cap of $250). Chris and I are happy to be able to support various charities each month and this one is one the I am pretty excited about. Thanks to Elaine for suggesting it and for being a promoter of breast cancer awareness.
The In the Pink website is packed full of information so please feel free to connect with them there and on their Facebook page for more information.
