October has not always been associated with the color pink. It was only after it was deemed National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985 that the pink ribbon became the well-known symbol of breast cancer awareness.

Since then, organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation have been raising money in hopes of finding a cure for breast cancer.

During October, several businesses host fundraising events across the country in support of breast cancer research. This year, Arizonans can find many opportunities to take part in the fight against breast cancer.

The 18th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure will be held Sunday in the vicinity of the State Capitol near Downtown Phoenix. The event raises funds and awareness while honoring survivors and those who lost their battle with the disease.

This year’s race will consist of the option to choose between a 1 mile Run/Walk, a 5K Run for Breast Cancer Survivors or a 5K Walk or Sleep In for the Cure.

Also on Sunday, Suddenly Slimmer Day Spa and Wellness Center in Phoenix is offering a 25 percent discount on all spa services for their Breast Awareness Spa and Wellness Day.

In addition, those currently undergoing cancer treatments can get complementary “pink” mini-facials and 15-minute chair massages. Cancer patients and survivors can also get their makeup done, receive brow makeovers and participate in a laughing meditation session at no charge.

Pick up a cupcake at Wildflower Bread Company between now and Monday and $1 of the purchase will go to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer funds. Since 2005, Wildflower has raised more than $26,000 with its Cupcakes for the Cure program.

Head over to Gallery 225 in Gilbert on Friday Oct. 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. where more than 36 donated mixed-media art pieces will be auctioned at the Saving the Tatas Fundraiser.

The night will consist of refreshments, a silent auction and a raffle with a variety of prizes including round-trip airline vouchers. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Passionately Pink for the Cure Foundation.

Later on in the month, join Remedy Pilates and Massage Studio for its Pilates in the Park event to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Pilates for Pink will be held Sunday Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale.

For every $5 donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, class participants will be entered into the “Remedy Raffle” which will include prizes such as massages, acupuncture sessions, nutrition consultations, and private Pilates sessions. Each participant will also receive $20 worth of coupons good toward a massage at Remedy.

Following the class, lunch will be provided along with instruction from Dr. Mary King, who will explain self-breast exams and how acupuncture increases prevention.

http://www.komenphoenix.org/
http://www.remedypm.com
http://artsaveslives2010.blogspot.com/
http://www.suddenlyslimmer.com/