"Post your bra color as your Facebook status for Breast Cancer Awareness." "Take a 'no make up selfie' for Breast Cancer Awareness." " 'Like' this picture to support Breast Cancer Awareness." "Share this on your Facebook page to promote Breast Cancer Awareness." Take this quiz. It goes on and on.
I don't think any more "awareness" that breast cancer exists needs to be brought to the forefront--that has already been accomplished by years of pink marketing and the fact that since 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with an invasive breast cancer in their lifetime, just about everyone knows someone who has or has had breast cancer.
I have long wondered how participating in these activities helps in any way. Unless money is being raised directly as a result of the activity, I don't see any benefit. How does knowing YOUR bra color help me? How does a photo of YOU sans makeup help me? It seems to me that more attention is drawn to the person participating than to the actual patients or the cause--not always, but most of the time.
Raising money that goes to a cancer or medical organization is mostly a waste of time, too. Very little of that money actually goes to research or helps real patients in any tangible way. In my opinion, it's better to raise money for an actual cancer patient and their family and give it to them directly.
And why is it always for "breast cancer"? Why not prostate cancer? Or bone cancer? Or pancreatic cancer? Or leukemia? Or lung cancer? Or childhood cancer? All of those cancers involve agonizing battles and take lives, too. Is it because our society is so infatuated with women's breasts, and they are so much more appealing and marketable than someone's prostate, lung, or bones?
I'm not saying it's wrong to post your bra color or take a quiz with a bunch of mind-numbingly stupid questions--I just think it's silly, pointless, and a waste of time. So why do people do it? Maybe it's their way of "doing something." One small thing to show they care. I get that. I don't want to minimize people's concern and genuine sympathy for those fighting cancer--and I can't tell you how much it means to know so many people are supporting me in my fight! But there has to be a more impactful way to help.
"Ok, since you're so critical of our meager efforts to show support, what do you suggest?"
Since you asked, I'll share a few ideas--most of which I and my family have been recipients. :)
1. Pray. Prayer is one of the most powerful tools at a human's disposal. Never underestimate it.
Prayer is communicating with the almighty sovereign God who is in ultimate control.
2. Be deliberate. Rather than using two or three clicks of your mouse to help you feel like you're
making a difference, take the time to consider someone who is actually battling a disease, find
out their specific needs, and make a plan to do something for them--something that helps them in a
tangible way without just drawing attention to yourself. If you don't know anyone personally to
help, then find someone! Visit the cancer ward at a children's hospital, or a nursing home.
3. Be creative. You might be gifted at organizing a benefit. It may be money to help pay for
medical expenses, providing a meal, a gas card, gift cards, free babysitting, a ride to an
appointment, a card or flowers for encouragement, lawn work, house work...you get the idea.
4. Be anonymous. Obviously this isn't always possible or necessary, but I know for myself that not
knowing whom to thank ensures that God rightfully gets all the glory!
5. Pray. Pray for God's leading. Pray through each step of the process, no matter what you decide
to do. Pray that God will use it to bless that person.
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