Breast Cancer Awareness for Kids + a FREEBIE

Breast Cancer is something that is close to my heart. It was the first cancer that infiltrated my family. I remember the day and phone call like it was yesterday. My grandma, my Dad’s mom, had breast cancer and they were going to do a mastectomy and treatments. It was one of the scariest times of my life up to that point. I remember her surgery well, as I stayed in the hospital overnight with her so she wouldn’t be alone – she’s also diabetic. It was an honor to stay with her and it’s been a JOY to watch her be Cancer-FREE for 22 years now. I also have several friends who have endured this disease and won and some who have gone on to Glory. So we talk about it in our home.

In case you were unaware, and I’m not sure how you could be since pink is EVERYWHERE, but October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And while this disease may be something that doesn’t affect little kids directly, it does affect them indirectly through family and friends. SO TEACH THEM! Make them aware of this disease on their level.

Whether breast cancer has impacted your kids’ life from a friend or a family member, or not at all, it’s important to start a conversation about this disease. What happens to someone who is diagnosed with breast cancer? What are healthy choices to prevent your kids from getting breast cancer? Gets tips from a mom on having a conversation about breast cancer with kids here: How to Talks to Kids About Breast Cancer.

Take a day or two this month to incorporate some very pink lessons! Check out this “Think Pink” freebie from Sweet Integrations. It includes pink-themed activities like Piggy Bank, Strawberry Ice Cream Addition, Place Value Selfies, and more!

There are some amazing resources that organize fundraisers and raise awareness about breast cancer. Our tiny little town will be “painted PINK” this Saturday for the 5th Annual Medora Goes Pink event. This event is like a little carnival for kids mixed with a FREE Health Fair for adults. It started out supporting families suffering with Breast Cancer specifically, but has expanded to include other cancers as well. The money raised from this event helps families dealing with Cancer by way of a gas card or grocery card to give a little relief with all the doctor bills and traveling. For our tiny town of 600, this is a HUGE deal. They also have a 5k Race where you can run in honor of someone. They also have a performance stage with bands singing all day long. We are really excited to be a part of this wonderful event and my kids can’t wait until Saturday.

I’ll be honest with you, I am not a fan of large corporation or foundations because so much of the money is not passed on, but small, local events like this one…now that I can get behind. 100% of the proceeds go to cancer patients and their families, since this is done by all volunteers. PLUS…it brings the community together in support of those fighting cancer.

If you need reading resources about kids and cancer, especially breast cancer, here are some great books you can read with your kids.

Mom Goes To War by Patricia Polacco

Mom Goes To War by Irene Aparici Martín

The Hope Tree by Laura Numeroff

Where’s Mommy’s Hair by Sharon Amerson

When Mom Had a Mastectomy by Nancy Greenfield

Be sure and check out these FREE Breast Cancer Awareness Bookmarks from Educents!

There are many more resources out there for cancer in general that might also be helpful to those dealing with this disease. I know from personal experience, it isn’t easy to talk to your kids about cancer…but it is necessary and important.

How do you talk to your children about breast cancer?

Are they aware of the disease and its impact?

Tell us in the comments!