October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and all across the country, the color pink is cropping up, like spring in fall. Warriors in Pink are rolling out their campaigns, along with Susan G Komen and many other breast cancer charities. Proceeds from breast cancer awareness products are going toward the fight to eliminate this heinous disease and bring hope to millions of women who have been diagnosed.

From medical gloves to wall clips, pens to calendars, endorsed products are everywhere, and to buy them gives you at least a little bit of warm fuzzy feelings, knowing that you’re contributing to the fight, and getting a really cool product as well. Who doesn’t want a really awesome tape dispenser that not only looks great on your desk, but also goes to a good cause?

The pink ribbon symbol has become the most recognized ribbon in the country; when you see it, you’ve no doubt what it stands for. Ironically, it’s more recognizable than the original red ribbon that inspired it-which was for AIDS. I know that if I see a woman wearing a pink ribbon, she’s either survived breast cancer or knows someone who has, which unfortunately is way too often.

Breast cancer is a very serious matter to me, not that it isn’t to a lot of women. My family has a long history of it, from my great-grandmother, grandmother, three aunts, and my sister. I can only assume that I am predisposed to it. I am secure in the knowledge, however, that since my grandmother and aunts time, breast cancer research and treatment developments have come a very long way, and survival rates have increased exponentially, as evidenced by my sister successfully surviving the disease.

Breast cancer affects all of us, at one point or another in our lives. My hope is that future generations won’t have to go through the pain and uncertainty of a diagnosis, worrying about survival rates and chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. I support all of the charities that work tirelessly to raise money for the fight, knowing that one day, I might need that support network and the work they do. How do you contribute to the fight? Do you donate or purchased endorsed products?