October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I wanted to recognize this important fact on my blog, but I wanted to do something more than display the pink ribbon this month. As I was deciding what, a question crossed my mind. What’s the history behind the ribbon? We all know what it signifies, but how did it come about? How many people are aware of how this ribbon originated.

I decided to goggle to find my answer. It seems a lady by the name of Charlotte Haley used the ribbon in 1990 when her daughter, grandma and sister were diagnosed with breast cancer. She starting making peach ribbons and attaching them to cards to raise awareness of the National Cancer Institutes’ lack of funding for research and handing them out at the grocery store.

In 1991, Evelyn Lauder, breast cancer survivor, of the Estee’ Lauder Corporation and Alexandra Penney of Self Magazine wanted to use the concept in Self Magazine to recognize breast cancer awareness month. They contacted Charlotte Haley to request use of the peach ribbon; however, Charlotte declined. She believed that it would commericalize the concept, her story was personal.

Evelyn Lauder and Alexandra Penney were determined to use the ribbon concept, so they went to their legal departments. It was decided they could use the ribbon; however, the color had to be changed. They choose pink. The rest is history.

Giggles & Sugar Kisses proudly displays the pink ribbon each October. Please leave us a comment how you’re promoting Breast Cancer Awareness on your blog.