As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, so does our Making Strides Fundraiser.  We want to thank all of you who participated in our efforts!  Not only did we raise money for a cause we can all personally relate to, but we also fostered an even greater feeling of community as we all worked together toward this common goal.   Our final amount raised was $2,695 thanks to the generosity of the employees at our retail stores, distribution center, and corporate office, as well as their friends and families.  Uniform Advantage matched this donation for a grand total of $5,390 going to the American Cancer Society!

In addition to the fundraiser, we hosted a Facebook contest for our followers to submit their tips for breast cancer prevention (the participants received our unique UA pink bra t-shirts as a “thank you” for their input).  We want to share with you some of the top responses we received:

1. Ch-Check It Out: The most popular responses we saw stressed the importance of monthly self exams and yearly mammograms, which are both key to early detection.  We all know how hectic the “day-to-day” can get, so find a reminder that works for you.  There’s power in numbers…maybe schedule your next doctor’s visit with a girlfriend and treat yourselves to dinner afterwards or host a small pink party with a few of your female family members to ensure that no one forgets!
2. All Together Now: You know the drill…eat right, don’t smoke, limit alcohol intake, protect yourself from the sun, and be physically active.  There is a correlation between overall health and reduced risk of cancer, and an added bonus is the increased endorphins or “feel good hormones”!
3. We Are Family:  Learn the history of breast cancer in your family tree, not only will this help you understand your risk factors, but it can also be a great way for you and the other women in your family to strengthen your “support system” by being positive influences on each other.
4. Just The Two Of Us: Several of our contributors referenced studies that show breastfeeding can prevent or lower the risk of breast cancer for some women.  Good for baby and good for mom, win-win!

To mark the end of our “Pinktober” fundraising, we held PINK day at our corporate office—you can check out the pictures below.  You don’t have to wait until next October to do your part for Breast Cancer awareness; the American Cancer Society has events all year round to encourage participation.  From team walks to galas and golf, there is sure to be an event where you can have fun while you help raise awareness!  How did your workplace celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month?