We’ve seen so many products, services and fundraising initiatives that focus on breast cancer research and awareness. Everything from bubble gum to running shoes is taking part proceeds and donating to the various causes in North America during this month of “Pinktober”.
No one will argue the need for support for the dedicated doctors, scientists and the countless others who continue to educate us on the impact of breast cancer. But today we are shifting the focus to the people living and coping with the disease. The costs are significant and often a daily worry for many who not only have to face treatments but still need to carry on in their day-to-day life.
CAUSEmetics is a collaboration with eleven of Canada’s most reputable all-natural, non-toxic skincare and cosmetic companies that have dedicated products that will see proceeds from sales going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund to help breast cancer patients TODAY. It’s not just a few a few cents but a significant portion of the retail price is committed to seriously helping those in need. Hopefully this will inspire other companies to jump in with two feet.
Breast cancer survivor Daniela explained at the launch event for CAUSEmetics her experience. “Some people work hard and save up $25,000 to buy a new car and some people save that to put a downpayment for a new condo or a small house in the country. And they deserve it, because they worked for it,” said Daniela. “I got cancer for $25,000. Nobody deserves that.”
Daniela is a single mom. She was diagnosed with cancer when her daughter was 13 years old. She mentioned that she was the sole provider and worked hard to buy her own house and was able to provide for her child but could barely get by. “I was lucky still, because I had a job that had an extended healthcare plan with short term and long term disability,” said Daniela. However she still had taxes to pay and travel expenses for treatments incurred since she lived in the country. The financial impact it has on those who have the disease and those who support them is often the biggest stress aside from the treatments themselves. The average length of time for treatment of breast cancer is 38 weeks and will often last more than a year including recovery time or even longer.Daniela had no option than to return to work due to financial constraints despite her doctor’s wishes.
There are so many great reasons to shift some of our charitable thinking from pink to green. The cost of breast cancer is anything but benign. The toll of lost wages associated with treatment and other costs are often overlooked.
“Despite tens of millions raised to find a cure, many of the 23,000 Canadians diagnosed this year need financial help today. We donate the lion’s share of the funds raised to helping women fight the disease, and Causemetics represents a long-term fundraising revenue stream,” says Donna Sheehan, Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund Executive Director and breast cancer survivor. “Prevention is a key mandate and we believe minimizing exposure to harmful toxins is part of the solution, so working with cosmetic industry partners who create natural products is perfectly in alignment.
It’s a different way of thinking about breast cancer and very much worthy of your hard earned dollars.
Skincare and cosmetic companies committed to this initiative include Graydon Clinical Luxury, Evoke, Lovefresh, Ella’s Botanicals, Sappho, Province Apothecary, Sigrid, Cocoon Apothecary, Pure+Simple, Consonant Skincare, Schaf.
Each brand is committed to a donation from each product sold – and the proceeds are significant ranging form $4 to $10 as indicated on individual packaging. Currently, the products (labelled ‘TODAY’) are available at Green Beauty Spa in Toronto and through online retailer Well.ca and soon to come, Causemetics.ca.
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