You’ll wear the pink shirt at the football game tonight. Along with seeing a ribbon where the “i” should be, you’ll notice pink everywhere this October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But what does that really mean?
For one in eight women, according to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is an illness they will have sometime in their life––likely after age 50. After one learns they have the disease––whether through self-detection, screening mammograms, or other methods––they begin the treatment process. Dr. Elizabeth Oh, an OB/GYN who works at BeyondGyne Health and often helps women with breast cancer, states that the treatment process can require multiple procedures and a lot of time.
“Once a cancer is detected––depending on the size, location, lymphatic spread, hormone or tumor markers––treatment can involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy,” said Dr. Oh. “After these initial treatments, there can also be extended hormone blockers and immune therapy medicines for years after to decrease recurrence risk.”
Enduring treatment can drain the patient emotionally as well as physically due to stress, uncertainty, and pain. Dr. Oh suggests that a patient rely on their family and friends for emotional support.
“When a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer, it can be one of the most frightening and challenging times physically as well and mentally…” she said. “As the medical providers give the patient recommendations, the patient will have to make decisions. Emotional support, as well as mental health providers, [are] strongly recommended for patients.”
Breast cancer doesn’t just affect those fighting the disease: it also influences the lives of their loved ones.
“When my mother was going through treatment, I was very scared, but I still had hope,” said an LFHS student who would like to remain anonymous.
Watching their mother undergo breast cancer treatment impacted their family and demonstrated the value of privileges most take for granted: good health and a strong community.
“During treatment, her illness did affect our family’s lives, but it [also] brought us together in order to help her and each other,” they said. “Seeing my mother be so brave in the midst of her surgery and chemotherapy showed me the importance of support and having gratitude for health and family. I also tried to become more self-sufficient during this time and take on more familial responsibilities.”
For those who haven’t experienced the direct effects of the illness, the significance of dedicating an entire month to breast cancer awareness may not be immediately clear. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to acknowledge those who endure(d) breast cancer and fundraise money to advance breast cancer research. This year, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation invested $74.75 million to fund 250+ scientists across 16 countries to sustain studies.

In the community, student organizations are doing their own part to support the cause.
Next Wednesday and Thursday, the LFHS Women’s club will host their annual bake sale during lunch to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Along with selling treats, they will give away bracelets and pink ribbons for students to wear; they hope to spread awareness about the cause and inspire students to contribute what they can.
“It’s a great way to engage in the mission of Women’s Club by connecting with other people to promote a great cause,” said senior and Women’s Club member Laurie Arseneault.
A Committee Representing Our Young Adults (CROYA) also hosts its “Pink Party,” a yearly service event committed to supporting the cause. Activities include packing bags with fun and practical items for patients, making cards, and creating blankets.
“It’s a really awesome way to come together as a community and work towards a common goal: raising money, spreading awareness, and sending care items to patients,” said senior and CROYA Service and Leadership Chair Tess Uihlein, who is helping organize this year’s event.
To raise funds, CROYA sells pink t-shirts in the school cafeteria for $10 in the days leading up to the meeting, and donations can also be made to sponsor care packages. This year, the 4th annual event will take place on Wed, Oct. 17th, at 7:00 p.m.
In addition, Scout Nation dedicates their efforts toward engaging the entire student body in the cause. Tonight, Lake Forest Bank and Trust has sponsored Scout Nation so that each LFHS student attending tonight’s football game can receive a free, pink t-shirt. Their goal is to collect donations for City of Hope, an organization that funds breast cancer research and relieves patients of treatment expenses.

“We want to spread awareness about breast cancer… and get the whole school together,” said senior and Scout Nation Chair of Communications Ella Nanini. “It’s cool that we all get shirts because then we look like one big crowd.”
While Scout Nation typically focuses on leading the student section, Nanini appreciates that they can rally the crowd for a much larger cause during this game.
“[It’s great] knowing that what we’re doing is not just for entertainment and engagement but for a better cause; what we’re doing is providing help to people who need it,” she said.
This October, there are many ways the community can acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Whether one donates, volunteers, or wears pink, they are supporting those behind the ribbon.