Betty Wingo ...
EMBRACE THE PINK
How did pink become the color most associated with breast cancer awareness ?
Betty Wingo ...
Rising Warrior : A Journey of Faith and Fortitude I ' ve been diagnosed with breast cancer twice . As a Christian , my initial response in both instances was , “ God , why me ? I don ’ t want to die from this disease .” But quickly , my mindset shifted to , “ Why not me ? Better me than someone weaker .” I knew I had a choice : give up or fight . I chose to stand , praying for strength , and became a warrior once again . Armed with faith , excellent doctors , and unwavering support from family and friends , I embraced the battle . Wars aren ’ t won by the weak or fearful ; you must wear the armor of faith , not fear .
This journey isn ' t a cruise ; it ' s a battleship . When life knocks you down , you rise . You must continue to stand tall , no matter how tough it gets , because you are never truly alone . I prayed that God would guide me in using my journey to inspire others .
Cancer is unpredictable , but your attitude is within your control . I underwent 20 rounds of chemo , 12 operations , and a double mastectomy . It took years to feel whole again . Work gave me purpose , and I kept pushing forward . Rest and flexibility were challenging for me , but I knew I had to focus on survival .
My greatest source of strength was my faith . During treatment , I was approached by a stranger who asked if I was angry at God . I replied , “ Absolutely not . God didn ’ t give me cancer ; He ’ s getting me through it .” That moment was a reminder that our attitudes shape our experience .
Breast cancer changes your perspective . There ’ s constant anxiety about the cancer returning . Yet , I ’ ve learned to be kinder to myself , live in the moment , and prioritize my health . Regular exercise , healthier eating , and eliminating stress have become part of my routine . Life is still beautiful , and my journey has taught me to appreciate every moment .
Early detection is crucial . Get regular checkups , listen to your body , and don ’ t ignore any signs .
Though it ’ s hard to imagine now , pink almost wasn ’ t the color linked to breast cancer awareness . In 1992 , the original color of the awareness ribbon was actually meant to be peach .
Earlier that year , Alexandra Penney , Editor-in-Chief of Self magazine , was preparing the second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue . The previous year ’ s edition , guest-edited by Evelyn Lauder — Estée Lauder ' s Senior Corporate Vice President and a breast cancer survivor — had been a great success . Looking to build on that momentum , Penney envisioned a ribbon for breast cancer awareness to be distributed at Estée Lauder ' s New York City locations . Evelyn Lauder loved the idea and promised to distribute the ribbons nationwide .
However , Charlotte Haley had already come up with the concept of a ribbon . She handmade peach-colored loops to honor her mother , sister , and grandmother , all of whom had battled breast cancer . She distributed sets of five ribbons with a card that read : " The National Cancer Institute annual budget is $ 1.8 billion , only 5 percent goes to cancer prevention . Help us wake up our legislators and America by wearing this ribbon ."
When Penney learned of Haley ’ s efforts , she reached out with an offer to collaborate and expand Haley ’ s initiative nationally . But Haley declined , expressing that she felt the partnership would be too commercialized , preferring to keep her campaign grassroots .
Following Haley ’ s decision , Self magazine and Estée Lauder decided to change the ribbon color to pink . The pink ribbon was distributed across Estée Lauder counters , and from there , it quickly became the widely recognized symbol of breast cancer awareness .
Adding to this , Susan G . Komen , the world ’ s leading breast cancer organization , had been using the color pink since its founding in 1982 . Over the years , the color pink has become synonymous with the global fight against breast cancer , a symbol of hope , solidarity , and awareness .
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