Breast cancer affects too many of us, whether we are a survivor or the friend or family member of one.
According to the American Cancer Society, "breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers. About one in eight (12%) women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime and in 2013, about 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women."
Although the chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman's death is about one in 36 (about 3%), death rates from breast cancer have been steadily declining, partly because of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatment. Currently, there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a time when people -- from major league sports teams to everyday mothers, daughters, fathers, and sons -- wear pink to show solidarity against a disease that affects us all.
There are many fundraisers this time of year, from the Race for the Cure, a 5K on October 19 at Bayfront Park, to small events and dinners.
In addition, many local and national restaurants and food companies offer specials in honor of breast cancer awareness month, where you can eat and donate to find a cure at the same time. Here are some of our favorites:
Fontainebleau Goes Pink
The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is "going pink" this month. Starting sundown, October 1, the iconic resort's Chateau Tower, lobby, Bleau Bar, and reception areas will be lit pink from dusk to 10 p.m. throughout the month.
In addition,Gotham Steak, Scarpetta, Hakkasan, and La Cote will extend Miami Spice throughout the month of October, offering a special $39 prix-fixe dinner, with $1 form every check benefiting Susan G. Komen Miami/Fort Lauderdale.
Like dim sum? Hakkasan's dim sum lunch special ($23) has also been extended, with $1 from every check going to Susan G. Komen Miami/Fort Lauderdale.
db Bistro Moderne Offers a Sweet Deal
During the month of October, db Bistro Moderne is serving a special dessert in support of breast cancer awareness month. Enjoy a blackberry vacherin, featuring a crispy meringue, pecan biscuit and raspberry crème fraîche sorbet topped with a pink white-chocolate ribbon for $12 and $1 will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Ladies who Care Brunch at Terrazza at Shore Club
Beginning Sunday, Oct. 6, Terrazza at Shore Club will transform its weekly Sunday "Ladies Who Brunch" into a month-long fundraiser. Each week, enjoy brunch ($38 per person) that includes made-to-order omelets, pastries, fresh seafood, pastas and pizzas along with bottomless brunch cocktails (complimentary for ladies, an additional $20 for men). Terrazza will donate 10% of each brunch purchased to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Edward Marc's Pink Pecan Caramel Terrapins
Edward Marc Chocolatier is helping to fight back against breast cancer by partnering with Susan G. Komen for the Cure! Starting October 1st through October 31st, you can purchase Edward Marc Chocolatier Pink Pecan Caramel Terrapins (a 12 ounce package is $24). and 20% of the product's online sales will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Sweet Revenge
Sweet Revenge, the hot pink wild strawberry "sour mash" liqueur, invites its fans to "Drink. Pink. Proud." throughout the month of October to help in the fight against breast cancer.
Simply purchase a 750 ml bottle of the neon-colored hooch at your local liquor store and Sweet Revenge will donate $1 to Brides Against Breast Cancer for each bottle sold, up to $20,000.00. Brides Against Breast Cancer is a national non-profit organization that tours the country raising funds through its "Nationwide Tour of Gowns" bridal shows with proceeds serving people affected by cancer and contributes to programs for cancer patients, their families and caregivers. What to do with your Sweet Revenge? The company suggests mixing up a "strawberry cure", which is equal parts Sweet Revenge and lemonade, served on the rocks. Check out their website, sweet-revenge.com, for more recipes.
Foil Breast Cancer with HoneyBaked Ham
Purchase a HoneyBaked Ham, specially wrapped in pink foil during the month of October, and one dollar will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
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In addition, customers can participate in "Friends Foiling Breast Cancer Fridays" at HoneyBaked locations. Customers that wear pink and bring a friend for lunch on Fridays in October will receive buy one, get one free sandwiches. All month long, customers will have the option to add a donation of one dollar or more to their purchase, directly benefiting the NBCF.
Fans of HoneyBaked's Facebook page will also have the opportunity to nominate friends and loved ones who have been touched by breast cancer to receive a free family meal from HoneyBaked. One hundred families will be selected throughout the month of October.
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