According to the American Cancer Society, women in the US have a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. Though the figures are lower, a number of men are diagnosed every year, as well. Breast Cancer Awareness Month, recognized each October, aims to increase awareness and education about the deadly disease and raise money to put toward finding a cure. Local organizations, workout studios, and businesses are hosting events this month to show their support. Know of one that’s not on the list? Let us know in the comments—and don’t forget to enter this week’s photo contest, themed around the color pink for breast cancer awareness.
The downtown DC day spa is donating 20 percent of sales from certain services to Breast Care for Washington DC. Think Kevyn Aucoin makeup lessons, Deborah Lippman mani-pedis, massages, and more. October 9, noon to 6 PM.
Here’s a good reason to check out the Capital Wheel at National Harbor: This weekend, the lights on the Ferris wheel will be pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and when riders show up wearing the rosy hue, a portion of the proceeds from their ticket purchase will go to the Inova Life With Cancer Family Center. Look for area retailers displaying pink ribbons; a portion of their sales will also benefit Inova. October 10 through 13.
Makers Lab offers up a “workout dance party,” featuring a hip-hop dance set to tunes from a deejay, plus refreshments in the form of Raw juices. Tickets ($20) include a complimentary juice, and proceeds benefit ZuriWorks for Women’s Health, which aims to increase cancer awareness and education. October 19, 4 to 7 PM.
The Great Pink Pumpkin Fights Breast Cancer
Turn your usual weekend partying into a philanthropic effort with this Friday-night event at the Midtown Party Plex. Participate in a costume contest, watch a fashion show, try out some pink hair extensions, and hit the cash bar; proceeds from ticket sales ($20 in advance, $25 at the door) benefit the nonprofit We Will Survive Cancer. October 24, 8 to 11 PM.
Fitness Together Capitol Hill has partnered with the National Breast Cancer Foundation for a bench-press competition to raise money for education and services. For every pound a participating athlete lifts, $1 will be donated to the foundation. If you’re not into lifting weights, you can sponsor individual athletes and participate in the raffle. October 25, 8 to 11 AM.
Alpha Breast Cancer Support Services holds a 5K run/walk beginning at Arlington’s Bon Air Park. Register as an individual for $10, or gather your friends and go as a team. Proceeds will go toward breast cancer awareness among Ethiopian and Eritrean women. October 25, 9 AM.
Suit up in pink and head to a step or indoor-cycling class at Metro Center’s Crunch Fitness to benefit the cause. KTX Fitness trainer Keith Thompson leads the sessions; a portion of the proceeds from class sales ($30 each) benefit breast cancer awareness. October 25 and 26, multiple sessions.
Head to College Park for a daylong fitness event with Phunktions Hip Hop Dance Company to benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Start the morning with a 5K, then check out a range of fitness classes that includes yoga, core boot camp, and ballroom-dance basics. Tickets are $20 for the 5K and classes, or $15 for the classes only. October 26, 9 AM to 6 PM.
The For Goodness Sake Foundation hosts a fundraising event at the Reebok Fithub in Georgetown. A $25 ticket gets you a Zumba workout with a Reebok instructor, 15 percent off in-store merchandise, a swag bag, light bites, mini spa services, and more. Even better, 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit Capital Breast Care Center. October 26, 2 to 4:30 PM.
Find Tanya Pai on Twitter at @tanyapai.
