I'm a tad later than usual on the announcement front this year [*cough* thanks med school...], but as we are officially careening towards the end of September, it seems about time for my annual reminder - October = Frocktober, and Frocktober = breast cancer fundraiser. At least around these parts - Frocktober got its start as a movement for ovarian cancer awareness, but as my family has connections to breast cancer I've chosen to twist the idea around the serve my own purposes.
This year is a particularly big year in the grand scheme of Kaity's Frocktober story, as this Thanksgiving will mark five years since my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer [you can find some past posts on the subject under my breast cancer tag]. Suffice it to say, this is a cause that I hold near and dear to my heart. There's something particularly appropriate about it this year, as we're going to be in our endocrine/reproductive block in October and I will thus get to learn all about the pathophysiology of breast cancer during the month dedicated to the topic. Funny how things work out that way.
Anyway, in case you need a reminder why this is an important fight....
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide.
- Approximately 300,000 women and over 2,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year; more than 40,000 people will die from the disease.
- There are currently about 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the US. I’m sure you know at least one.
- About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer.
- About 1 in 8 U.S. women (just under 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
Hmm. That's kind of a big deal.
So here's the gist of Frocktober: I wear a dress every single day in October and photograph/post everything here on my blog as well as on Instagram. In return, I'm selling "advertising" in my sidebar for the month. Any money I earn through this fundraiser goes directly to a breast cancer charity; in years past I've donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation but this year I'm going to try out the National Breast Cancer Foundation [they both seem to be fairly reviewed online in terms of actually applying your money to their various causes].
I'm changing up the proceedings a bit this year thanks to Squarespace's neverending usefulness. We're going to try out a pay-what-you-wish type model. Should you feel inclined to donate to the cause, simply click the DONATE button below or in the sidebar; any amount will get you an ad spot in my sidebar for the month for you to fill with whatever your heart desires - advertising your blog/business/website, a random gif, a picture of your face...I'm not picky. Any donation of $15 or more will earn you a guest post on my blog. I love the idea of contributing a Frocktober post showcasing your dress style, but it's up to you. Please make sure to include your email address somewhere as you check out so I can get in touch with you regarding your donation.
Support Frocktober!I can’t boast huge viewing numbers or incredible reader interaction, so I’m not promising you blogging success as a result of buying a little ad space. I can, however, promise this – you’re supporting a worthy cause. You’re making a difference. And, if you’re like me, you’re doing it in hopes that maybe one more little girl out there won’t have to navigate life without her mother. Maybe one more family won’t have to live every day with a gaping hole. And in return, maybe you’ll get a few eyeballs on your own blog.
At the very least, I do ask that you pick the organization of your choice and donate some money directly. [although that’s kinda less fun…I mean, I’m going to be spending the entire month wearing dresses.]
*This is the part where I make it clear that I’m in no way, shape, or form affiliated with the Frocktober initiative, with neither the Breast Cancer Research Foundation nor the National Breast Cancer Foundation, or with any other organization I name-dropped in this post. I’m just doing this because I know firsthand the effects cancer can have on a person and on a family, and it is not something I would ever wish on anyone. I am also, coincidentally, a medical student with a commitment to and a dedicated interest in the health of others. I believe in regular doctor’s visits, regular breast exams, early detection, and long, healthy lives. Let's work together to make that happen.