One in eight women will develop breast cancer. Let that sink in. Count eight women you know and then think about that stunning fact. The next time you’re in a coffee shop, at a worship service, in the mall, a social gathering, look around and know that one in every eight of those women could develop breast cancer.
I’m still gobsmacked every time I see the numbers. Even more stunned knowing multiple women who are breast cancer sufferers, who are in remission, or who are no longer here with us because of this damnable disease. But there they are. Some are anti-pink. Some show their heads without a wig or scarf. All are giving the finger to breast cancer, fighting each and every step of the way.
The words “you have a suspicious lump” is not one you want to hear. It’s also one you never, ever, expect to hear. When you do hear it, the wind is knocked out you. Life flashes before your eyes. And all you know is you’re getting ready to enter a game of hurry up and wait until you find out if that little lump of cells lying within a part of your body is cancer. Family and friends go through the same emotions, and it’s just as hard on them as it is on you, that hurry up and wait game. Possibly worse… because all the want to do is make it go-away and the thoughts of losing one of the lights in their life is unfathomable.
That’s why I’ll always support my community, online and at my home base. Because every time I walk into a gathering of the amazing women here in Charlotte, I don’t want to think about losing them.
Local Charlotte Breast Cancer Events — 2013
Charlotte Radiology’s newest event, Fly for Pink, will be a great way for fitness advocates to gear up and break a little sweat in the fight against breast cancer. On Sun., Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. at Flywheel Sports Ballantyne, pre-registered guests will participate in a Flywheel or FlyBarre class, with special treats and a raffle afterwards. The entire cost for each class ($30.00) will be donated to help fund mammograms for uninsured women through the Carolinas Breast Cancer Fund. Limited spots are available by emailing ballantyne@flywheelsports.com.
On Tues., Oct. 1, the public is invited to help kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Pink Pint Night from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at NoDa Brewing Company, 2229 North Davidson St. A special guest from 107.9 the Link, will add to the fun with a live remote while guests enjoy music, raffles, and food. This year, NoDa Brewing Company is offering two special brews: Thanks for the Mammaries and Kombucca (a gluten-free and non-alcoholic option with a great pink tint). A portion of the proceeds from every beer sold, along with money raised from the raffle and pint glass sales will go to Carolinas Breast Cancer Fund.
Charlotte Radiology is also a proud sponsor of the Charlotte Observer’s first annual Observe the Pink event. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fri., Oct. 4, the uptown crowd is invited to stop by the Observer parking lot (600 S. Tryon St.). Some of the area’s most popular food trucks will be on hand for the event, which also features games and raffles, local sports mascots and the Charlotte Radiology “Pink Ladies.” A portion of the proceeds from the Observer Pink Paper, food sales and the raffle will benefit Carolinas Breast Cancer Fund.
The Junior League of Charlotte and Charlotte Radiology are collaborating again this year to educate the community. Charlotte Radiology’s “1-in-8 Pink Ladies” will adorn the JLC WearHouse storefront throughout the month of October. The eight mannequins – dressed in full body suits (seven pink and one white) – will call attention to the fact that one woman in eight will develop breast cancer. Informational literature about breast health will be available to shoppers, and an educational event (open to the public) will be held at 6 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 17at the JLC WearHouse, 1117 Pecan Avenue.
This year, Charlotte Radiology and Wine and Design are mixing it up at NoDa Brewing Company to host Paint it Pink, a 24-minute speed-painting exhibition. Artists will be put to the test, when they are forced to switch canvases every four minutes to complete their masterpiece. Count on seeing some of your favorite local landmarks and, of course, the color pink. All paintings will be auctioned at the end of the evening, along with others from Wine and Design artists. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Carolinas Breast Cancer Fund. The event is open to the public and will be held at 6:30 p.m., Mon., Oct. 21 at Noda Brewing Company, 2229 North Davidson St.
Charlotte Radiology is also supporting various fundraising events that support the fight against breast cancer, including Ballantyne Country Club’s Rally for the Cure, Charlotte Latin School’s Serve for the Cure, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Tickled Pink and American Cancer Society Making Strides. For event details and a list of all “1-in-8” campaign activities, please visit www.beatcancercr.com
For more:
In Loving Memory and Honor of Susan Neibur
Sandi, Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Charlotte Radiology
Lisa is a lifestyle blogger, writer and social media strategist living in Charlotte, NC. 
