The idea to start GreenHouse Eco-Cleaning began after my grandmother lost her battle with cancer. A housekeeper from the West Indies, my grandmother had inhaled toxic cleaning fumes for decades and our family speculated—with plenty of evidence—that these chemicals had made her sick. That is why we developed our own healthy, environmentally friendly products for use by our cleaners and for sale to our customers.
According to Breast Cancer Action, as the use of chemicals has risen in the U.S. and other industrialized countries, so has the rate of cancers—including breast cancer. As you know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we want to share with you ways you can support, build awareness and raise funds for this cause—right here in NYC.
Here are 5 unique ways to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
Buy a Bridal Gown
On October 7 from 4:00PM-7:00PM, head over to the Kleinfeld Bridal Sample Sale to pick out your bridal gown, accessories, shoes and even bridesmaids gifts. In addition to getting a great deal on items for your big day, a percentage of sales from this event will be donated to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Be sure to get there early–numbers will be given out starting at 10:00 AM! Kleinfeld Bridal is located at 110 West 20th Street in New York.
Do Yoga
On Wednesday October 8th and October 22nd, the Susan G. Komen Greater NYC will host a yoga class led by Martha Eddy, CMA, RSMT, EdD and founder of Moving for Life. The class is designed for breast cancer survivors but is open to all women, after all, exercise helps in breast cancer prevention too! There is no charge, but you must RSVP due to limited space. Classes will be held from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM each of the above evenings at the Komen Greater NYC office located at 470 Seventh Avenue.
Take a Step
The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) will be stepping off at Prospect Park in Brooklyn on Sunday, October 19th at 8:00 AM. Every MSABC event is an incredible and inspiring opportunity to unite as a community to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about what we can do to reduce our breast cancer risk, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with breast cancer research, information and services, and access to mammograms for women who need them. You can sign up to walk, donate or become a volunteer. Looking for another MSABC event in the New York area? Click here for a list of sites
Walk in a Parade
The Tutu Project for Carey Foundation, the Bret Miller 1T Foundation for Male Breast Cancer Coalition and For 3 Sisters will be joining together to walk in tutus and pink fireman hats in the New York Village Halloween Parade. The group will be led by the “Men in Pink” and their leading ladies to show solidarity against breast cancer. It is $35 to participate (this includes your tutu and fireman hat!) with funds being used to support the sponsoring foundations. Click here to register.
Buy a Mammogram
The average cost of a mammogram is $100, but many women without insurance are unable to afford one. Every $100 you donate helps a woman in need get the test she needs to detect breast cancer early. Click here to participate in this program through the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Talk to us: What do you do during the month of October to support, build awareness or raise funds for breast cancer?
image courtesy of flickr/BY CC 2.0