You may be wondering is there really a pink sea; Google it and see what comes up. The truth is there is no Pink Sea, but today is October 1st and you may be experiencing a Sea of Pink. Today begins Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The use of the color pink has brought enormous attention to the Breast Cancer community. It has become defining, creating a community of those diagnosed with breast cancer, those living beyond breast cancer, and their families.
I was in Houston in April at the annual conference of the Arts and Health Alliance. While I was in town walking the main road an army of pink passed me. They were in the midst of their annual Avon Walk for the Cure. Women, men, and children all wearing pink to show their support for the Breast Cancer community.
The color pink linked to the breast cancer community has created a link and a way for community members to show their connection to the community. It becomes more prominent this time of year when buildings change out their white bulbs for pink bulbs shining a pink glow against their buildings in support. Pink ribbons are in full bloom like a field of wild lavender. It’s truly amazing that an illness has gone beyond the diagnosis and has created a community of hope, inspiration, and education.
The breast cancer community has created a culture and that’s not an easy thing to do. They have brought together the medical community, the corporate community, and individuals for a common cause. We’ll see a month filled with news stories about mammograms, treatment updates, and news of new medications such as Perjeta (a drug given FDA approval this past week).
You may not be a fan of the pink culture. Barbara Ehrenreich, noted author, is anti-pink. On an NPR interview she was clear that she didn’t want to be buried with a pink Teddy Bear. She doesn’t want to be defined for having an illness. She may not want to be defined by the pink culture, but it has served many raising money and pressure to find a cure and new treatments.
It doesn’t matter if you support the pink culture. It does matter that you support those facing Breast Cancer and all other illnesses. Perhaps we can find ways for other illnesses to find a culture that will help make their need more notable!
Are you or a loved one facing Breast Cancer? Looking for education, support, and inspiration? Visit http://www.survivingstrong.com
Want to heal through art? Visit http://www.timetolivecreatively.com
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Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 
What a great post! As a breast cancer survivor and fellow blogger, I hear from so many that hate the culture of pink. I am grateful for it. Oh sure, pink eggs at the grocery store are a little over the top. But an aunt of mine went through breast cancer totally ALONE in the 1960s with zero support. People whispered about her. Her doctors told her to find a home for her 4 children. Against all odds, she lived into her mid-70s and died from something else. Aunt Rosemary told me before she died to appreciate every pink ribbon. She said, “Too many pink ribbons are certainly better than none.” I agree!
creating community is so important when overcoming adversity. The fact that so many people have become a part of the “pink” culture speaks volumes about the possibilities that exist.