October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  During this month, people come together to raise funds for Breast Cancer Research, Treatment, Awareness Programs, etc.  We are reminded to schedule mammograms and encouraged to do self examinations.  We hear phrases like “Save the Boobies”; “Squish a Boob, Save a Life”; “Save the Ta-Tas”.  We wear Pink Ribbons and other things pink.  We are offered even more pink related items in an effort to raise funds for the cause.  Is it important?  I say, HELL YES!  It is estimated that 1 in 8 women (around 12%) will have breast cancer.  In 2010 alone, the American Cancer Society estimates that over 204,000 women in the US will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, with another 54,000+ diagnosed with the non-invasive carcinoma in situ.  And… over 34 thousand women in the US will have died of breast cancer in 2010.  Early detection is KEY!   Though breast cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer, the death rates have been in decline over the past 20 years.  It is thought that increased awareness and early screening as well as better treatment have contributed to this decline.

So…I am sure while most everyone has had a family member or a friend or a co-worker who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, we still need to bring awareness to all.  In my real life, the company I work for holds info sessions and raises funds for Breast Cancer Research during October, as I am sure many others do.  Well, Awareness Campaigns know no boundaries and in Second Life the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign is going strong.  Currently there are two events this week raising funds for the BCA that I want to encourage you to visit.

One is the BCA Art Auction which has been extended until the 10th of October.  This event held by the Pool of Hope Charities along with the art community in Second Life is being held in a fantastic build high above the sky.  There are pieces up for auction by artists such as Bryn Oh, Fingers Scintilla, Meilo Minotaur and CapCat Ragu, Don Hosho, Stephen Venkman, Rebecca Bashly, Sira Abizu, Del May, Sennaspirit Coronet, Feathers Boa, among many others.  It is a great place to experience top-notch artistic creativity of Second Life residents in one place…while possibly bidding on an awesome art piece that you just can’t live without!  All the while knowing that the linden raised will  benefit the Susan G. Komen, 60 Miles in 3-days, walk for a cure.

BCA Art Auction 2010

BCA Art Auction 2010

BCA Art Auction 2010

Also this week… until October 9th…the “Fair for a Pair” – SL’s Top Designers for Breast Cancer Awareness is being held by the Garden of Absentia Pool of Hope on Mystic Atlantis.  This event is being held on a beautifully built sim with a castle in the sky and trails through a magical forest.  As you follow the pink cobblestone paths, you will find vendors from some of SL’s top designers/shops such as Geryn Sloane, Sanura Snowpaw, Callie Cline, Donna Flora, Miel, Exposeur, Exile, Just A Pose, Wishbox among quite a few others.  The walk through the forest and across the ‘bridges’ is so pretty that you just can’t wait to see what is around the next bend.

BCA Fair for a Pair 2010 at Mystic Atlantis

BCA Fair for a Pair 2010 at Mystic Atlantis

Check out both of these events this week.  And anytime you are in SL and would like to find out more about cancer and what you can do to help, visit the American Cancer Society sim.  There is info about cancer prevention, statistics, support groups etc… you can also find a kiosk or two here to donate to the ACS campaigns as well.

Be Aware, Be Supportive, and don’t forget to Tell Others too!