Pro/Con Pink Your October 4 story “Sick of Pink” reminds me of lessons learned from the AIDS red ribbon movement, which mobilized millions. Today, HIV is no longer an automatic death sentence. The breast cancer movement’s pink ribbon represents the same global march against a disease that’s been with us far longer and is maddeningly complex. Pink has allowed Susan G. Komen for the Cure to put $450 million into research and $900 million more into education and support programs around the world. We have better survival rates and more weapons against breast cancer, but there is still much to do to end a disease that’s the second leading cancer killer of US women. Today’s pink tells us that millions of people around the world are in this fight with us.
Nancy G. Brinker, Founder, Susan G. Komen for the Cure / Washington, D.C.
As a breast cancer patient for the second time, I’m delighted that millions more dollars are funneled into research via cause marketing. If you don’t want to spend October hearing about breast cancer, press your mute button. I do. But think of all the women who are reminded to make an appointment for a mammogram. Lives are saved!
Carol Rabinovitz / Plymouth
Maybe pink should remind breast cancer survivors that each day they live is one day closer to finding a cure. I lost my sister to breast cancer two years ago. When I see pink, I think of her life and how hard she fought to keep going. I think if she were so lucky to be alive today, she would revel in all that pink stuff.
Patricia Greeley / Newburyport
Lung cancer victims would love to have the problems of the breast cancer survivors cited in Kris Frieswick’s story. Instead of whining about how you feel exploited, it’s worth remembering that lung cancer is the leading cancer killer. Yet you won’t see many lung cancer walk-a-thons or companies tripping over themselves to donate sales proceeds to lung cancer research. Bottom line -- breast cancer survivors shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
Lisa DiCarlo Lee / Newton
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am a six-month survivor, and I won’t even wear pink anymore -- it makes me sick! Glad you put into words what has been on my mind.
Sandra Brown
Greenville, South Carolina
Am I ever sick of pink. I’m due to have my blood drawn to check my cancer levels before an upcoming mammography. My awareness needs no help from pink anything. I agree one should give to the Cancer Society and then focus on the joy of living every moment.
Barbara Badstubner / Groton
I was diagnosed with breast cancer almost 26 years ago at age 35. I cringe when I see the pink ribbons for many of the reasons mentioned and for one other reason: Men can get breast cancer, too. The use of pink makes it much more difficult for men to be aware of their risk and, if diagnosed, more difficult to be a breast cancer patient.
Kathleen Hall
Scottsdale, Arizona
I’ve had breast cancer twice and have never cared to distinguish the disease by wearing a pink ribbon. What does pink have to do with what I, and a multitude of other women, have endured? Our organization offers support for breast cancer survivors, and our materials feature green in support of healthy growth.
Elizabeth Tyson-Smith, Cofounder, Virginia Thurston Healing Garden / Harvard
The Purse Men As one of Dr. Robin Schoenthaler’s patients and the mom of two young women looking for love, I applaud the criteria she listed for a mate (Coupling, October 4). The headline asks, “Will He Hold Your Purse?” My husband, during my myriad treatments, held my purse. I’m sure he’s not the only husband who also, and without fanfare, shaved his head to match mine.
Joann Nichols / Chelmsford
I’ve read Coupling two times already and the day isn’t over yet. As a single woman, mom, and employee at MGH it makes me proud to know there are doctors like Robin Schoenthaler.
Linda McCormick / Everett
I’ve been trying to tell the single women I know that the cool guy with great clothes and personality is not necessarily the best catch. It’s the man who’s with you through hard times. God bless those men holding purses. They are the real American heroes.
Peggy Donnelly / Braintree
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