3 Pink Ways To Celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Few colors pack a wallop like pink. The official shade for breast cancer, the hopeful hue evokes strength and encourages us to lend a helping hand, whether we walk, donate, or volunteer. A folded pink ribbon reminds us life is sacrosanct, and fleeting. Here, we’ve rounded up what to see, do, and drink during the last rosy days of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Get A 3-D Mammogram 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Diagnostics of MSPBWhere: Diagnostics of MSPB, 5401 S. Congress Avenue, Lake Worth
When: Through October 31, 2017
$$$: $85, 3-D mammogram; $65, non-3-D mammograms (for non-insured patients only)
411: In 1913, German doctor Albert Salomon discovered radiography, the science of taking x-rays. Since then, his discovery has led to myriad advancements in cancer screening, like 2-D and 3-D mammograms which have reduced breast cancer’s mortality rate exponentially. While both expose malignant activity, a 3-D mammogram allows doctors to see the individual layers of the breast and spot calcifications and masses more easily.

Mammograms aren’t ticklish so Diagnostics of MSPB have turned them into a more tranquil experience. Inside their Mammography Suite, a Siemens Inspiration True Breast Tomosynthesis 3-D mammography machine, one of only two in Palm Beach County, changes color every 30 seconds. Mood lighting also projects complementing tones, like light blue and hot pink. The artwork even changes color. Did you feel that pinch? We didn’t either.

Go To The “Shades Of Pink” Exhibit

Photo Credit: Michiko Kuriso

Where: Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, 170 NW Fifth Avenue, Delray Beach
When: October 19-November 11, 2017
$$$: $10
411: Poet T.S. Eliot once wrote, “The journey not the arrival matters.” In “Shades of Pink,” the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum’s provocative, new photo exhibit chronicles the poignant journeys of nine local African-American women whose lives were caught off guard, or cut short, by breast cancer. Strengthened by their families and faith, Michiko Kuriso photographed these hometown heroines and recorded their inspiring stories. They include Karen Alleyne-Means, Melissa Archer Dixon, Michelle Banks (pictured left), Shawntoyia Bernard, Shirley Laraine Cook-Cox, Mary Dent-Maher, Tanzanika Lillard (pictured right), Linda W. Long, and Sybil Mainor Mitchell. There’s additional imagery of Freddie Jefferson and Lea Jefferson, a mother and daughter who lost their lives to the disease.

Museumgoers will also learn how breast cancer is affecting African-American communities and the ways charities like Susan G. Komen South Florida are making significant strides in finding a breakthrough. On October 19, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center’s Mary Jean Houlahan, RN, and UM Miller School of Medicine’s Dr. Charles Vogel discussed breast cancer prevention, treatment, and its impact on African-American women.

Make Breast Cancer Strides, Martini-Style

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Office

Where: The Office, 201 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; Vic & Angelo’s, 290 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, and 4520 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens
When: Through November 10, 2017
$$$: $10
411: It’s said the path to a man’s heart is through his stomach. But what about a woman’s heart? If you’re conjuring a martini, we’re fine with that. One that’s tickling our heartstrings is the Pink Flamingo Martini they’re shaking up at The Office in Delray Beach and Vic & Angelo’s in Delray Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Restaurateur John Rosatti is dedicating the elegant drink to women’s health. For each one shaken, the restaurants will donate 50-percent to The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk of South Palm Beach.

Follow this recipe to prepare a Pink Flamingo Martini at home:

Pink Flamingo Martini (1 serving)
1 ½ oz. Three Olives Fresh Watermelon Vodka
1 ½ oz. RumChata
2 oz. pineapple juice
Watermelon slice for garnish
Ice

Directions: Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake for 10 seconds. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a watermelon slice.