My sister sent me a text on Thursday asking if I felt vindicated by the backlash against Komen. I responded by saying that vindicated wasn't the right word. What I am is finally relieved that maybe now I won't be alone in thinking that Komen isn't the world's greatest organization. That I won't be the only person in the store in October thinking that purchasing pink can openers and pink cookie packages won't stop breast cancer. And I won't be the only one with a bad attitude towards the Komen walk/run registration tables at the mall.
My hope from the Komen PR fallout is that 6 months from now, I won't be the only one who remembers.
I would also like to use this post as an opportunity to promote Breast Cancer Action, who is on the forefront of the raising awareness about the environmental causes of breast cancer. I should have mentioned BCA in my last post, but if you are looking to donate to or get involved with a nationally-recognized breast cancer organization who actually tries to help women, BCA is a good one to look into.
P.S. I hope this post makes sense. Insomnia does not help my writing.
06 February 2012
31 January 2012
Keep the Money Local
If you've been following the news tonight, or been on Facebook, you've probably stumbled across the announcement that the Komen Organization has stopped providing grants for breast exams to Planned Parenthood affiliates. If you have no idea what I am talking about, here is a link to NPR's version of the story. I have strong opinions about Komen. For now, I will just say, that I am not a fan and leave it at that.
But I do have a message for everyone (at least those ranting on Facebook status updates) who is attacking Komen for cutting funding to Planned Parenthood. If you really care about women with breast cancer, and want to do something for them, put your money where your mouth is, and donate to local organizations. The walks, runs, and pink merchandise raise money towards keeping the the Komen machine running smoothly. But how much of that money is actually helping the woman (or man) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and going through treatment? Cancer patients need caretakers, drivers, meals, and a clean house. They don't need another stupid ribbon. They are already aware of the cancer. It bit them in the ass.
Almost every community has local organizations which exist to help ease the life stresses of cancer patients. In my small, rural town I can name two. One group provides wigs; the other arranges drivers to take patients to a doctor or to the chemo clinic. Save your energy and don't passive aggressively attack Komen. Find a better organization in your local community to give your time or money donations. I bet the organizers will be pretty darn thankful.
But I do have a message for everyone (at least those ranting on Facebook status updates) who is attacking Komen for cutting funding to Planned Parenthood. If you really care about women with breast cancer, and want to do something for them, put your money where your mouth is, and donate to local organizations. The walks, runs, and pink merchandise raise money towards keeping the the Komen machine running smoothly. But how much of that money is actually helping the woman (or man) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and going through treatment? Cancer patients need caretakers, drivers, meals, and a clean house. They don't need another stupid ribbon. They are already aware of the cancer. It bit them in the ass.
Almost every community has local organizations which exist to help ease the life stresses of cancer patients. In my small, rural town I can name two. One group provides wigs; the other arranges drivers to take patients to a doctor or to the chemo clinic. Save your energy and don't passive aggressively attack Komen. Find a better organization in your local community to give your time or money donations. I bet the organizers will be pretty darn thankful.
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