Breast Cancer Awareness Month Events Guide

According to statistics from the Maryland affiliate of the Komen Foundation, Maryland has the fifth-highest breast cancer death rate in the nation, and in 2012 alone, 4,700 new cases will be diagnosed in the state and 810 women are likely to die.

Since 1985, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has promoted mammograms as the most effective tool in the fight against breast cancer. In 1991, the Susan G. Komen Foundation handed out the now ubiquitous pink ribbons to participants in a New York City-based race for cancer survivors.

Now, more than 20 years later, that pink ribbon can be seen almost everywhere—on apparel, on products, in store advertisements—and seems to be appearing year-round, not just in October, the month designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Throughout October, a number of Montgomery County organizations, businesses and companies will honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month through activities, seminars, events, sales and more.

Patch has put together this list of Breast Cancer Awareness Month happenings in Montgomery County to help you participate in this important event.

For 3 Sisters at Blackfinn

Where/When: The event will take place at 7926 4901 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda, Friday, Oct. 5.

Why go: Montgomery County firefighter Marshall Moneymaker lost his three sisters to breast cancer, and started the For 3 Sisters, a breast cancer awareness nonprofit. Donate $5 to For 3 Sisters and receive special happy hour deals.

Price: $5

2012 Komen Maryland Race for the Cure 

Where/When: Sunday, Oct. 21 in Hunt Valley, MD.

Why go: Team up with friends, family or neighbors and participate in either the 5K timed competitive run, a recreational run, a walk or a one-mile family fun walk.

Price: $35 before race day, $45 on race day, $10 Kids for the Cure (ages 11 and under), $15 Kids for the Cure on race day (ages 11 and under) and $40 chip-timed runners (not available on race day).

Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk

Where/When: Saturday, Oct. 20, National Mall, Washington, DC.

Why go: Attend a powerful and inspiring walk that will unite the community to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about what can be done to stay well from breast cancer and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with breast cancer research, information and services and access to mammograms for women who need them.

Price: Fundraiser, see website for more details.

Ruby Tuesday GiveBack Fundraiser

Where/When: Ruby Tuesday locations throughout the Washington, DC, area, Oct. 3 through 5.

Why go: Present this flier to your server at participating Ruby Tuesday locations and they will donate 20 percent of your check to Making Strides DC.

Price: Fundraiser, see website for more details.

Yoga on the Steps: Washington, DC

Where/When: Freedom Plaza, Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between 13th and 14th streets, Oct. 14 at 8:30 a.m.

Why go: Raise money for Living Beyond Breast Cancer during this one-hour yoga class (designed for all body types and skill levels). You can also enjoy a light organic breakfast and tour a Healthy Living Expo.

Price: Fundraiser, see website for more details.

Critters for the Cure Mixed Doubles Tennis Charity Tournament

Where/When: Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center, 7801 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, Oct. 6, from 7 to 11:30 p.m.

Why go: Support the Critters for the Cure foundation by participating in this round robin mixed doubles tennis tournament, which includes dinner, drinks and a champagne awards celebration.

Pricing: $75 entry fee, see website for more details.

Key to the Cure Kick-Off Event

Where/When: Saks Fifth Avenue (5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD), Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Why go: Don't miss this outstanding and festive event—one of the most anticipated fashion outings of the season—with proceeds benefiting women's cancer programs at Suburban Hospital.

Price: Individual admission is $75. Register or sponsor the event at the event's website.