In 1990, President George H.W. Bush officially recognized the month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since then, countless displays and efforts have been made to increase screenings, awareness, and research to further the fight against this common form of cancer. Missoula has done its share of raising awareness and money for the cause, and local businesses have had a huge role in that success. Major and exciting events are happening in the community, (including fundraisers and public spectacles) and Missoulians will notice the great efforts from the community.
One of the most visible displays supporting the fight against breast cancer and raising awareness is the “Paint the Griz Stadium” event taking place on October 18. The Missoula County United Way group is seeking more than 100 volunteers to tape 25,000 pink awareness signs in Washington Grizzly Stadium. United Way is a network of nonprofit organizations that operate independently to serve their communities in fundraisers and community events. The Missoula chapter of the organization has tasked itself with creating a “stadium-wide show of support for those affected by breast cancer”. The signs will be visible for those in attendance of the Grizs’ home game against Sacred Heart College as well as during the television broadcast.
The Silver Lining Foundation in Missoula will also continue its support for breast cancer survivors during the month. This group began in 2015 as a small group of survivors supporting each other after their battles with cancer, but it has now grown to more than 380 members. The group focuses on physical exercise, and their website notes that “studies show exercise can reduce recurrence rates by 40-50%, a principle we embody”. The group helps survivors to understand that they aren’t alone in the battle against cancer and the challenges they continue to face afterward. The group has a dragon boat team (on a team canoeing rig), gym, and a six-person canoe.
Local businesses have also been doing their part to support awareness. Texas Roadhouse, though relatively new to Missoula, has helped the community by being very active in its awareness campaign. At the beginning of October, pink decorations went up all over the restaurant. Balloons and streamers were at the front and center of the restaurant. In each iconic peanut container, there was a small flyer on how to donate to support breast cancer patients/survivors. And if someone donates more than $200? You get to pie the managing partner of the location, JJ Schermerhorn, in front of everyone in the restaurant. In one night alone, there were two $200+ donors, and therefore two pie-ings. Texas Roadhouse serves on average more than 2500 customers per weekend, so throughout the month, thousands will be made aware of the continued fight against breast cancer.
Partnership Health Center in Missoula is also doing their part to make detection possible and more available. They are offering free breast cancer screenings for women over 40 years of age. This event is taking place on October 9th, and the service is offered to individuals with or without insurance. This event promotes health and offers healthcare to those who may have otherwise not been able to access it.
Another Montana organization named “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” makes a difference by fundraising to directly support women with medical expenses for breast cancer treatment. They fundraise for different organizations and charities around Montana. They sponsor the annual Mammogram Day in Butte, Bozeman, Helena, Kalispell, Libby, Plains, Superior, Miles City, Missoula, and Wolf Point.
With all of these efforts in Missoula, one thing is clear: Missoula cares about its breast cancer patients and survivors. This important cause has been carried out in many different ways and by many different people, but the unity in purpose is an encouraging display for the city and community.
