Doesn't it seem a shame that all the different cancers and their organizations seem to be competing for funding and public awareness?
I fully support breast cancer research and public education, but when I see pink ribbons EVERYWHERE and not one blue, green, gold, black, pearl, or teal, or any other color around, I feel sad. I know people who are survivors (or not) of melanoma, lung cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lymphoma. And, of course there's me and my colon cancer. There are other colors besides pink. My wristband is multicolored and the ribbon on my car is generic lavender. I don't think anyone knows what lavender means, though. If it isn't pink, no one knows it's cancer. I think awareness needs to be extended to all cancers. Aggressively.
My husband also pointed out that the whole ribbon thing started with AIDS awareness. The red ribbons now have the new meaning of cardiovascular disease. Does anyone ever see and AIDS ribbon any more. Have we forgotten? The man I loved before my husband died of AIDS. I haven't forgotten. I never will. My wonderful husband won't either. He understands.