Reclaim October
where community takes back Breast Cancer Awareness Month
What is RECLAIM OCTOBER?
Reclaim October is a movement that challenges the conventional approach to Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the harmfulness of pinkwashing. Pinkwashing occurs when companies or organizations promote pink ribbon products to show support for breast cancer awareness while simultaneously manufacturing or selling products linked to the disease.
why RECLAIM OCTOBER?
Reclaim October was born out of frustration and a desire for more meaningful action during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It was inspired by an Instagram account in October 2020 that used breast cancer awareness hashtags but did nothing to support the cause, treating it merely as a marketing opportunity. This movement aims to emphasize that October is about more than pink ribbons; it's about sharing real stories and experiences of the breast cancer community.
THE GOALS OF RECLAIM OCTOBER
Educate
Reclaim October educates individuals outside the breast cancer community about the experiences of survivors, previvors, thrivers, and caregivers.
Support
The movement highlights the outstanding efforts made to raise awareness about breast cancer, which claims 40,000 lives each year. Additionally, Reclaim October raises funds to support research and provide assistance within the community.
Empower
Reclaim October wants to empower anyone willing to listen and help spread the word, reshaping the narrative to reflect the truth.
“October can be a really challenging month if you are impacted by breast cancer.
Companies exploit our stories and use pink ribbon products to push their own agendas.
Reclaim October is about the community taking our power back."
— Trish Michelle
overview
Week 1
Let’s get it started! BCAM is here and we’ll prep you with all you need to navigate the month.
Week 2
Advocacy-focused content featuring team members and members of the breast cancer community.
Team Captains: Kate & Jess
Week 3
This week explores the theme of body and features relevant content and discussions.
Team Captains: Mila & Michelle J
team captains
community over capitalism
Reclaim October is a breast cancer awareness month community led movement
HOW CAN YOU HELP
Even if you're not part of a team, there are several ways to support Reclaim October this Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
Reclaim October appreciates all help and encourages you to reach out via email (moc.liamg%40rebotcomialcer) or connect on Instagram (@reclaim_october) to join their cause.
You can also find the Reclaim October group on the Breastie app to get involved further.
Amplifying other charities
When Trish started Reclaim October, she knew that she wanted to help the cancer community take back the narrative by amplifying charities that are truly making a difference within the community.
How charities are identified to fundraise for:
The Breasties are thrilled to work alongside Trish to amplify organizations and change-makers. We firmly believe in the power of coming together.
How The Breasties and Reclaim OctoberCAME TOGETHER
The Breasties awere inspired by Trish’s ability to shift the narrative in October and bring power back to the community. Trish commended The Breasties leadership for establishing a foundation around the harms of pinkwashing.
What would happen if these two movements became one? The Breasties and Reclaim October united their strengths to address critical topics that have long been overlooked.
Through the power of social media and giving back to local grassroots organizations our goal is to transcend the conventional boundaries of breast cancer awareness, delving into the realms of community, mental health, beauty, body, and sexuality.
The Breasties is the first all-inclusive nonprofit organization that creates community for survivors, previvors, thrivers, and carevivors, impacted by breast and gynecologic cancers.
The Breasties is recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code [tax-exempt status]. EIN: 82-4267245
The Breasties is the first all-inclusive nonprofit organization that creates community for survivors, previvors, thrivers, and carevivors, impacted by breast and gynecologic cancers.
The Breasties is recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code [tax-exempt status]. EIN: 82-4267245
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