Becoming Informed About Breast Cancer

By Kate Kissell

As October is finally here, it’s once again time to wear pink and become further educated on how to help and support those with breast cancer. One in every eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, making it the second most common cancer in women.

Although breast cancer has an overall chance of 13% for diagnoses, it is less likely for millennials and people under the age of 40 to get it. There can be certain women who are more susceptible to developing breast cancer at an early age than others; however, only about 4% of women are diagnosed under the age of 40. The median age of breast cancer diagnosis is about 62 years old.

Some factors that would cause someone to fall in a higher risk category include family history, breast tissue density, radiation therapy, and reproductive history. Family history can play a significant part in the diagnosis of breast cancer, but the severity or risk at which one could develop breast cancer from family bloodline can vary. For example, if your grandmother got breast cancer at 75, you are as susceptible as the average women; however, if one or more family members are diagnosed under 50, your doctor may recommend genetic testing for mutations in the genes associated with breast cancer.

If you are at an average risk for breast cancer and would like to take extra measures for prevention, keeping a healthy diet, as well as exercising for at least 150 minutes a week are some of the most important measures you can take. If you are at a higher risk, genetic testing for mutations in those BRCA genes may be recommended by your doctor for proper prevention. Finally, it is always important to start getting annual mammograms at the age of 45.

Treatments for breast cancer can largely vary depending on both age and how far the cancer has spread. Some of these treatments include chemotherapy, a process that shrinks and kills cancer cells, surgery to remove the cancer, hormone therapy to block the cells from getting hormones that make them grow, radiation therapy to kill cancer cells, or biological or targeted therapy to use the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. If someone wanted to find newer treatments for breast cancer, they could also try clinical trials, which are a great way to take advantage of emerging medical advances. 

Breast cancer is extremely important to become educated about so that you, and or anyone you may know, aren’t misled or misinformed in the future.

 

 

Brands to Support During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Jordyn Roskind

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and many different fashion and accessory brands are marketing new products to raise money for the disease. This month, it is especially important to donate to charities raising awareness and looking for a cure for the disease. There are many products and brands to choose from in order to fund donations for breast cancer awareness. 

The color pink represents breast cancer awareness, so many pink clothing items are being sold and their proceeds are being donated to charity. Since pink is such a popular color, why not buy something pink and help donate to breast cancer research and treatment? Lily Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Peloton, Ramy Brook, Pura Vida, La Mer, and Jo Molone are a few well known examples of brands donating a portion of their proceeds to breast cancer awareness.
Lily Pultizer has a collaboration with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation; they donate $30,000 to the organization each year. Additionally, Vineyard Vines came out with a new collection, Vineyard Vines x Bright Pink. They will donate 20 percent of all proceeds from the sale of these shirts. Peloton, which is a workout and athleisure brand, released various new accessories and apparel items in order to donate 20 percent of the sales to Bright Pink, an organization that works to save lives from breast and ovarian cancer by helping women know their risk and manage their health. Jo Molone will also donate 50% of the purchase price of specific perfumes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation as well. 

Many large, popular brands will be donating some of their proceeds to a charity or foundation in order to help support breast cancer month. This is just a small way to give back, and it helps to make an important difference in trying to find a cure for this deadly disease. 

 

 

Ways To Give Back During COVID-19 

By Harry Dresner 

During these very hard times, it is important to give back to those in need. There are many ways to give back to help your community and other communities throughout the pandemic, and one easy way to give back can be donating to the organizations below! These organizations are helpful resources for those who need help quickly. Additionally, these organizations often have extensive insight into the most urgent local needs in a variety of communities. The organizations listed below have expedited the granting process, so that any donations you give are received as soon as possible and put to good use. 

Direct Relief

Direct Relief is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the health of people in all 50 states and in over 80 countries around the world, regardless of politics, religion or ability to pay.  Direct Relief helps people who are in emergency situations by providing them with essential resources like access to doctors and medicines. 

 

GlobalGiving

GlobalGiving is a non-profit organization in the U.S. that supports many other nonprofits by connecting them to companies and donors. Since 2002 there has been more than $430 million raised for support to over 24,000 projects in over 170 countries. Global Giving helps donors make easy US tax deductible donations to vetted, locally driven organizations across the world. Additionally, they have also helped many companies develop powerful corporate social responsibility grantmaking.

Americares

Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that has saved lives in 164 countries and improves health for people affected by poverty or disasters like covid-19. Since 1979, Americares has raised more than $18 billion in humanitarian aid and is still helping those in need, as well as educating people about covid-19. 

Save The Children

Save The Children, established in 1919, is dedicated to improving the lives of children through health care and education, as well as providing emergency aid in natural disasters, war, and other conflicts. Throughout the pandemic, Save The Children has provided schools and community programs with resources to feed children. They also provide children with educational books, games, and programs to make up for the lost time in the classroom. 

Partners in Health

Partners in Health is a Boston-based nonprofit healthcare organization that started in 1987 and has saved countless lives. This organization provides safe testing and treatment for patients with COVID-19. This organization mobilizes strong contact tracing systems and brings “the benefits of modern medical science to those most in need of them and to serve as an antidote to despair.” 

 

During this pandemic, much help is needed and every dollar you can donate will be put to use and is necessary. 

To see more organizations and ways to give back go to: https://www.vanguardcharitable.org/blog/updated-support-coronavirus-covid-19-relief-efforts 

 

 

 

 

Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and More Celebrities Auction Off Their Designer Pieces for NAACP and the NHS This Past June

By Brett Moriarty

Last June, British Vogue collaborated with the luxury consignment site Hardly Ever Worn It to fundraise for The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)  and The National Health Service (NHS). The magazine teamed up with 23 of the world’s most stylish models and icons to auction off their belongings. All of the proceeds went to the above-said charities. Celebrity participants included Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Irina Shayk, Karlie Kloss, and Stella Maxwell. Their items were available to bid on from June 9 to June 12th and were featured with their owners in Vogue’s July edition. In a typical “2020” fashion, all of the participants photographed themselves at home to abide by social distancing and stay at home orders. At the time, pregnant Gigi Hadid posed with Zayn Malik in a mirror selfie. She made sure to showcase her a Fenty outfit and highly sought over Dior Saddle Bag. In the article, Gigi said how she appreciates ”the opportunity to give back in this way, and hope that whoever ends up with these pieces – the Fenty top and skirt, and Dior Saddle bag – really enjoys them, knowing that their contribution will help those struggling due to Covid-19. Zayn and I send our love and best wishes to everyone.” Famous model and influencer, Kendall Jenner also went the mirror selfie route. She posed in a bikini and her item: a vintage Chanel blazer. Kendall describes how she “purchased this Chanel blazer a few years ago from a vintage shop, and it has been one of my most versatile pieces. I’ve worn it everywhere, from lunches to on vacation over bathing suits. I’m so happy someone else can enjoy it as much as I have – and all for a great cause.”

 

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A post shared by British Vogue (@britishvogue)

The total list of celebrity participants included Adut Akech, Amber Valletta, Candice Swanepoel, Ashley Graham, Bella Hadid, Christy Turlington, Gigi Hadid, Zayn Malik, Helena Christensen, Imaan Hammam, Irina Shayk, Xiao Wen Ju, Joan Smalls, Karlie Kloss, Kate Moss, Lily Aldridge, Mariacarla Boscono, Karen Elson, Paloma Elsesser, Pooja Mor, Rianne Van Rompaey, Shalom Harlow, Stella Maxwell, and Kendall Jenner.

Celebrity auctions are not a new concept, but they are still a great one. They enable bidders to be enticed and determined to get the item, as it holds star power. Who wouldn’t want Gigi Hadid’s old bag? Or Kendall Jenner’s beloved blazer? Overall, these auctions do excellent work. British Vogue was able to raise lots of money and donate the proceeds to two very worthy causes. 

 

 

Sweet Ways to Donate Your Halloween Candy

By Natasha Gilman 

Although Halloween will not be the same this year, we suspect you will still have left-over candy from trick or treating.  We know everyone loves candy, but donating your extra candy is an excellent way to give back to the community and put a smile on many kids’ faces. There is no better “treat”  than the feeling of helping others.  Instead of throwing away your unwanted candy, look into these organizations that will gladly take your candy and redistribute it for a good cause.

Treats for Troops

This program, run by Soldiers Angel’s, allows kids to donate their candy to soldiers while earning buyback prizes. This allows for a fun and interactive form of charity.

Halloween Candy Buy Back

In a partnership with dentist’s offices, Halloween Candy Buy Back collects candy in exchange for toothbrushes, hygiene kits, and toothbrushes.

Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude sends candy to deployed troops and first responders: the group sent a groundbreaking 533,891 pounds of candy last year!

Operation Shoebox

Unlike the other organizations, Operation Shoebox collects at Halloween, Christmas, and Easter and distributes candy throughout the year to troops.  

Operation Trick or Treating for the Troops

This organization, run by Operation Stars and Stripes, allows you to run candy drives in your local community, a fun and collaborative way to give back!

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Through this organization, you can send unopened halloween treats to severely sick children.

So this year, instead of tossing your candy in the trash bin or binging on it late at night, donate your candy to soldiers, frontline workers, and sick children who are in need of something to cheer them up. Nothing feels better than knowing