When October rolls around, we see the world pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the disease will affect one in eight women and is the second leading cause of death in women, following heart disease. With the goal in mind to eventually make breast cancer a thing of the past, the community in South Florida is rallying together for fun, inventive and inspiring ways to get involved in the fight.

 

Get Your Run On

Huizenga Park in Fort Lauderdale will be abuzz with pink for the Making Strides Broward 5K on Oct. 11th, with funds going to the American Cancer Society. Join a team or create a new one to join in a noncompetitive atmosphere to run, walk or skip through the 3.1-mile course. Down south in Miami, the Susan G. Komen Foundation is hosting a 5K/fitness walk in Bayfront Park on Oct. 18, fit with a procession and ceremony to honor survivors of breast cancer. Then, a timed and untimed 5K run and walk will follow through the park, so whether you’re a competitive runner or just want to join in the fun, there’s something for everyone, including little ones, who can participate in the Tot Run.

Huizenga Park, 32 E Las Olas Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale

Sips For Support

Furthering the cause doesn’t only come in the form of a sweaty 5K – head over to the Shore Club in South Beach and order a round of Raspberry & Rose Gin Rickeys at the bar. At $14, 20 percent of proceeds from each cocktail will go straight to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. At the W Fort Lauderdale’s Living Room, its Blush Cocktail will be raising money for the Broward Health Foundation. The concoction of rum, vermouth, honey, muddled strawberries, and honey is sure to hit your sweet tooth for a good cause.

The W Fort Lauderdale, 401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Ft Lauderdale, 954.414.8200

Go Bleau, Too

The Fontainebleau is going all out with options for guests to help breast cancer research. At Lapis Spa, reserve a Bleau Ocean treatment or a Pink Swarovski Crystal pedicure and the hotel will donate $10 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Plus, all the restaurants are participating in offering $39 prix-fixe meals with $1 per meal going to the foundation’s Fort Lauderdale chapter. Considering how well Hakkasan, Scarpetta, Michael Mina 74, and La Côte pack in the crowds every day, we’re sure to see a pretty penny headed to the donation box.

Oct. 1 to 31 at Fontainebleau, 4441 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach, 305.538.2000

Check Yourself

October is a flood of pink this and pink that, but everyone knows that breast health is important all year round. Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at Macy’s at The Falls, the Baptist Mammography Center is available for digital mammograms and bone density screenings. So if you’re planning to go shopping, make an appointment, bring along your prescription, and before you know it you’ll be back to scanning the sales section for the best deals and knowing you’re being proactive about your health.

All year long at the Baptist Mammography Center at Macy’s, 9100 SW 136th St. in Miami, 786.596.7691

Fashionable Fundraising

Show your support from the top of your head right down to your feet. The exhale family is selling limited edition breast cancer grip socks at all locations, including our two Miami ones, and online too. Going for $16, $2 from each pair will go to the Entertainment Industry Foundation Revlon Run/Walk For Women. Over at Peace Love World, designer Alina Villasante created a special breast cancer line with uplifting messages fit for both supporters and survivors. A portion of proceeds from the comfy tees and accessories will go to Cancer Link at UM’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Bra Recycling

Not only is October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To celebrate these great causes, shops around the country are accepting new or lightly used bras to donate to charities for girls and women. Our favorite lingerie store, Eberjey, is accepting donations at both storefronts and its corporate office and will gift those who donate a 15 percent off a bra. They are accepting bras of all sizes, nursing bras and mastectomy bras. Not only is it a boost to self-esteem to women who need the help, but it’s also a good environmental initiative.

Oct. 1 to 31 at Eberjey, 1905 Purdy Ave. in Miami Beach and 7209 SW 57th Court in South Miami, 305.763.8839 and 305.763.8455

Viva La Roja

Mexican restaurant Porfirio’s has created a specialty pink menu, featuring three drinks and appetizers with 20 percent of proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Try out the rose pink lemonade with a plate of carnitas, or a pink lychee martini with Queso Maria Sabin. The menu runs from Oct. 6 to Oct. 31. And as with tradition, all five Rocco’s Tacos locations in Florida will be hosting Tacos & Tatas Tuesdays all month with all-you-can-eat tacos for $14.99. A percentage will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and you won’t’ want to miss Rocco standing on the bar in his custom pink leather shoes, pouring free tequila.

Rocco’s Tacos, 1313 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 954.524.9550 

Porfirio’s, 850 Commerce St, Miami Beach, 786.216.7675

 

Originally published in WhereTraveler