Pink Ribbons, Revisited

When I was a kid, I was never allowed to have a paying summer job. The family business left us “comfortable”, as we used to say, and my parents would not let me take a job that might otherwise go to someone who needed the money much more than I.

That didn’t get me off the hook – my summers weren’t spent sitting by the pool eating bon-bons. For one thing, we didn’t have a pool, and for another, my parents also believed that those of us blessed with a life that was both healthy and comfortable had a duty to help our neighbors. I believed it then, as I believe it now.

So, at the age of fourteen I became a candy-striper at St. E’s hospital in New Jersey. I volunteered on Sundays all year – the nuns were grateful that someone whose sabbath doesn’t fall on Sunday was willing to help out – and three days a week during the summer. I wasn’t a saint. I did take off for family vacation.

I also volunteered through my high school in one of the first Head Start programs in the country, and I think it was there, helping adorable little kids learn to read,  that I unlocked the great magic secret of volunteering: give a little something of yourself and be amazed at how much is given back to you.

Throughout my adult life I’ve volunteered at my kids’ schools. I enjoy my time at the New England Wildflower Society and the Arnold Arboretum. I help man the Weston Nurseries re-fueling station #2 during the Jimmy Fund Marathon Walk in September. ( more on that later) And all the time I’m so grateful for my healthy, happy life and for those of the people I love.

Which brings me to Pink Ribbon Day, this last Sunday July 30th. Weston Nurseries held a breast cancer awareness day complete with raffles and treasure hunts and pink lemonade. You popped pink balloons to see what prizes they held. “Pink Ribbon” plants were discounted, and a portion of their sales were given to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, a non-profit that gives at least 85% to breast cancer research and awareness.  All proceeds from our raffles that day went to the BCRF.

Our friends who are survivors worked side by side with those of us who have been spared, and we all enjoyed wearing pink T-shirts for the occasion, all but John, who hates wearing T-shirts almost as much as he hates wearing pink. Even he had warmed to the shirts by the end of the day, at least long enough to pose with us for a group picture.

Customers came dressed all in pink, some with pink straw hats to pink toenails. Mommys brought their lovely little daughters, all pretty in pink. People had great fun searching for the 21 sparkley  pink flower pots that held gift certificates. The atmosphere was fun and festive, echoing the truth today that a positive breast cancer diagnosis will be painful and frightening, and may very well tax all of your physical and emotional strength. But education, awareness and research really do work.

We here at Weston were grateful for the chance to help this important cause, and hope to do it again next year. But the fight goes on. Please consider calling the BCRF toll-free at 1-866-FIND-A-CURE for information or to make a donation . Or visit www.bcrf.org.

And especially if you are a cancer-free woman living a comfortable life, count your blessings and volunteer to help. You’ll be amazed at how wonderful it makes you feel.