There is a good chance you know someone who has fought a battle or had a scare with breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Behind skin cancer, it effects the highest number of women. However, since 1989, the death rates from breast cancer have been declining as a result of better treatment and earlier detection through screening and increased awareness. Right now, according to the American Cancer Society, there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
With all of that being said, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. People around the country, organizations, associations, brands, etc. will be working together this month to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services as well as raise money for funding programs and helping to find a cure. In a sport like tennis that is dominated by strong women at every level, this cause hits home for tennis players all over the world. For me, the cause is a personal one. In 2009, one of my favorite people passed from breast cancer — she was an amazing person, a mother, a grandmother, a wife, a sister, a pillar of strength, and a tennis player. Rosemary, a 4.0 player from Palm Desert, one of my Mom’s best friends and USTA teammate, and someone I considered family. Watching her battle the cancer made me realize how scary and devastating this disease can be and how it can hit anyone. Throughout it all, she kept a smile on her face and a racquet in her hand, whether it was playing when she was feeling strong, watching her granddaughters take lessons, or enjoying tennis at the BNP Paribas — Rosemary was a tennis player through it all. Sadly, in the last 5 years, the number of tennis players that I personally know that have been diagnosed with breast cancer has gone up significantly. Breast cancer has even hit the WTA when tennis legend, Martina Navratilova, an image of strength and health was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. What she described as her “own personal 9/11.”
So you can imagine why I proud that here at Tennis Warehouse, we are excited to be carrying a handful of awesome products that not only look great, but help raise funds for a great cause!
New Balance has a great line of clothes in their Lace Up for the Cure Collection that is in support of breast cancer awareness and a movement toward an active lifestyle. New Balance partners with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to support the fight against breast cancer. If a cure is not found, it’s projected 10 million women will die in the next 25. And 300,000 women will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year alone.
adidas is All in for the Fight this month with their fun pops of pink in some great pieces including shorts, tanks, tees, capris and a hoodie. 10% of the proceeds will go directly to benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
Under Armour is showing their pink pride with their Power in Pink campaign which celebrates women who use fitness in their fight against breast cancer. Their collection boasts bright hues and feelings of strength to prove that “she’s a fighter.” Be sure to check out their awesome tees, shorts and hoodie!
Prince Tennis is pairing with Bright Pink, the only national non-profit organization focusing on the prevention and early detection of breast cancer during the month of October and will be donating 10% of the proceeds to them from each sale of their pink and white T22 shoes.
Wilson is helping to bring awareness as well by supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in their mission to help prevent and find a cure. They have their Hope line that is full of fun accessories including pink balls, hats, shoes, and bags and will be donating a portion of their proceeds from these products.
This month, the TW Stylists have come up with some great outfits from these brands and their pink collections! Keep an eye out all month as we celebrate breast cancer awareness and have some fun while supporting a great cause!
Play with heart,
Michelle