That Friday Feeling ... Breast Cancer

October is officially Breast Cancer Awareness month and it seems fitting to have a post dedicated to all the thousands of women out there who are suffering or have suffered from it. I think we all know someone who has been affected by cancer in some way, whether that is breast cancer or another form of it. It still seems impossible that we still can't just stop cancer, but the good news is that treatment and diagnosis are much improved and have come on in leaps and bounds over the past few years. There's still a long way to go and this post is going out in support of all of those people who have been affected by it in some way. 

There are an awful lot of people selling breast cancer awareness items on Etsy, but I have been quite specific with my choices this week. I have only chosen items where the seller has specifically said that they donate to a cancer charity. It's really important that we show our support, but for those who have suffered, or know someone who has, there is no underestimating the work that charities do in supporting families affected and in research into cures. I may be getting on a moral high-horse here, but I feel that if you are going to be selling something to show awareness of such an important cause, then at least a portion of the profits should go to helping sufferers or funding research. From a seller's perspective, I understand that we all have a living to make and often our profits are tiny in comparison to what it costs to make something, but with such a sensitive cause, I really feel uncomfortable that some people are selling without actually donating anything. It seems incredibly sad to me. 

To women around the world who have experienced the horrific effects of this life-threatening disease, I give my whole-hearted support. To get up each morning and put on a brave face to the world and continue going to work, spending time with your families, doing everyday things like washing up, I know is an impossibly courageous feat and I respect you immensely. I have added some links to charities within the UK at the end of this post - I know from friends' experiences how fantastically supportive some of these charities can be - even if it's just to know a bit more about what it is you are going through and what your options are. 

Hope Bracelet by PetiteBlue

Thank you cards by CricketPrinting

Pink Ribbon soap by SoapGarden

Customised Initial Jewellery by BeautifulAsYou

Click on any of the pictures below to be taken to their websites where you can find information about cancer and what to do if you or a loved one is in need of support. 

I should probably point out that I am not in any way affiliated with any of these charities, am not sponsored by them and have not been asked to write this blog post. It is just a theme that I felt needed some recognition. I have now been inspired to make some breast cancer awareness keyrings and brooches and I can assure you that 100% of the profits will be going to cancer charities as I strongly believe in the work they do. More on that to follow...