October is Pink: Standing Together with Play for P.I.N.K.
October holds deep meaning at J.McLaughlin. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than a moment on the calendar, it’s a call to honor those courageously facing the disease, to champion the groundbreaking research that fuels hope, and to remind one another of the lifesaving power of early detection.
Through our ongoing partnership with Play for P.I.N.K., we are proud to turn awareness into action by helping fund vital breast cancer research. This year, we are honored to bring forward two important voices in this mission: Eunice Liriano, Managing Director of Play for P.I.N.K., who leads efforts to transform grassroots fundraising into game-changing research; and Hyman B. Muss, MD, a nationally recognized expert in breast cancer and the Mary Jones Hudson Distinguished Professor of Geriatric Oncology at UNC, who is dedicated to advancing care.
Together, they share their perspectives on progress, awareness, and the power of community in the fight against breast cancer.
Q: Why are you wearing pink this month?
Eunice Liriano: I wear pink in honor of my beautiful friend Shara who we lost this past June and all the women who are courageously walk this breast cancer journey every day. I stand with you and will continue to wear pink in your honor.
Hyman Muss, MD: I am wearing pink today to honor the women who are courageously fighting breast cancer and the millions of American women at risk. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women. While we’ve made great strides in treatment and survival, we still have a long way to go before we can end this devastating disease.
Q: What are some common misconceptions about breast cancer?
Hyman B. Muss, MD: A common misconception is that breast cancer only runs in families. In reality, the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no significant family history or identifiable risk factors. That’s why awareness, screening, and education are critical for everyone.
Q: What should people know about prevention and early detection?
Hyman B. Muss, MD: Lifestyle plays a major role in lowering breast cancer risk. Regular exercise—even something as simple as walking for 30 minutes a day, five days a week—combined with a nutritious diet and limiting alcohol use can make a great difference. In some cases, medications may also help reduce risk, and some women with family histories of breast cancer should ask their health care team about genetic testing. But most important is early detection: following national screening guidelines and having regular mammograms. While breast self-exams can be useful, mammography remains the most effective tool we have for catching breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.
Q: How can individuals support this mission?
Eunice Liriano: Everyone has something to give. They can share their stories, follow us on social media @playforpink, join a Play for P.I.N.K. event in their city, hold a fundraiser of any kind, no amount raised is too small. Just $100 funds an entire hour of breast cancer research. Gather a few friends, host a ride at your local gym, a Pilates class, there are endless possibilities, Play for P.I.N.K. is here to help you create a space full of pink, full of purpose, full of hope. Join our fight today!
Hyman Muss, MD.: Research is the key to winning the fight against breast cancer. There are many outstanding organizations dedicated to funding breast cancer research. One initiative I encourage people to support is Play for P.I.N.K, which brings together teams, events, and communities to raise funds for research. By contributing, each of us can play a part in advancing prevention, treatment, and survivor care.
Q: What role does the community play in fighting breast cancer?
Eunice Liriano: It is all about community. We could not do this work if it wasn’t for the communities we work with nationwide. We at Play for P.I.N.K. turn play into serious support for breast cancer and our community of 35,000+ chairwomen and supporters show up each day to fundraise and do this critical work with us.
Hyman Muss, MD: Communities play a vital role. Local organizations can raise awareness not only during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but throughout the year. Community members also provide invaluable support—through volunteering, fundraising, and helping patients and their families navigate the challenges of diagnosis and treatment.
We are thrilled to partner with Play for P.I.N.K. this October (and all year) in support of their mission to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world’s most promising research.Through special collections, events, and pop-ups, we contribute a portion of proceeds back to support life saving research. When you invest in our Magic Scarf for Play for P.I.N.K, 10% of the proceeds will benefit their research.
Throughout October, we invite you to participate in our Pink initiatives:
- Shop our exclusive J.McLaughlin x Play for P.I.N.K. Magic scarf
- Saturday, October 18th: Think Pink. Shop Pink. Wear Pink. Join us in support for Play for P.I.N.K. 10% of proceeds from all in-store and online purchases will be directly donated in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
- Throughout the month of October, our stores are partnering with local breast health organizations in support. Contact your local store to find out more.