Some issues ago, I wrote briefly about how October is breast cancer awareness month, and encouraged readers to lick Yoplait lids and remember to check for lumps on a regular basis.

Since then, I&8217;ve been amazed at how many people in Shelby County are leading the way in breast cancer awareness. Many county men and women participated in the Susan G. Komen 5K Race for the Cure last weekend, some businesses have and still are donating portions of profits to research, and Jane B. Holmes Public Library has set up a special display of breast cancer informational materials.

One Helena woman I&8217;ve read about, Tonya McGairty, will even walk 60 miles over three days to help find a cure. McGairty is participating in the Atlanta Breast Cancer 3 Day event with her sister and two aunts who are also sisters and have overcome breast cancer.

What noble examples these individuals and businesses have set! When I hear or read these stories and see the pink Race for the Cure breast cancer survivor shirts worn by women, I sometimes get choked up. I&8217;m so blessed. I&8217;m healthy and have everything and far more than I ever could need. I should be the one telling the world about breast cancer detection and encouraging my friends to get checked for lumps.

Those who have fought should be allowed to rest, I think in my mind. But these women are almost always forging ahead and spreading the word, and not only by their example.

In these last few weeks of October, amidst all the hype of Halloween fanfare, do as my sorority says and &8220;Think Pink.&8221; Shop at businesses that are sharing their profits with breast cancer researchers. Eat some yogurt and save the lids. Get a mammogram, and bring your three best girlfriends along with you. Give a little, or give a lot, but most of all, give the survivors a rest.

Healthy women, men and children, let&8217;s ease the burden by doing our part and responding to their call. Let&8217;s carry their burden and help spread awareness of a disease that plagues one in eight women.