Think Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness in East Providence

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and whether you love to shop, attend events, walk or run, there are tons of different ways to support the cause.

This weekend, Oct. 5-6-7, the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation is sponsoring Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life at Station Park in Providence.

A reception opened the celebration last evening. It really kicks off today, Oct. 6, at noon when merchants will open the Garden of Hope Pavilion with plenty of education and wellness information, family friendly cooking demonstrations, fitness exhibits and a Pink Party presented by ARS featuring live entertainment and and an Illuminations of Life Ceremony.

Then on Sunday, Oct. 7, the Gloria Gemma Marketplace opens at 8 am with registration for the kids and 1K and 5K races at 10:15 am and 11:15 am respectively.

Later this month, the 2012 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will take place on Sunday, Oct. 21. It starts at 7:30 am at the Temple of Music in Roger Williams Park in Providence. Click on the link above to find out how to sign up or donate.

You can also spread breast cancer awareness this month by supporting national organizations that are fighting for a cure.

Research centers like Susan G. Komen for the Cure are selling pink ribbon merchandise and it’s a twofer — retail therapy and donating to a cause that affects millions.

You can also support breast cancer research by affixing a special stamp to your mail. The U.S. Postal Service has been selling a stamp commemorating breast cancer awareness for the past 15 years. The agency has raised $75 million so far for research programs at the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense.

And you can join people from four continents in a Race for the Cure event organized by Susan G. Komen For The Cure, or an Avon Walk For Breast Cancer event organized by the Avon Foundation for Women.

TELL US: Is there a special event you participate in to support breast cancer research? Share your stories and thoughts with us by adding them to the comments sections of this article. Also, be sure to add photos of you and your friends supporting the cause to the photo gallery above.