For the remainder of October, the masthead of this publication will appear in pink—not by accident, but by design. This gesture, simple as it may seem, stands as a small part of a grander mission: to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a month devoted to increasing awareness of a disease that impacts millions, while raising critical funds for research that will, one hopes, one day eradicate it.
The figures are stark. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of death among women. One in eight women will face a diagnosis at some point in their lives. In the United States alone, more than 220,000 women will receive that dreaded diagnosis this year. More than 40,000 will die. Numbers of this magnitude are beyond distressing—they are intolerable.
And yet, we are not without hope. Since 1990, mortality rates have steadily declined. The reason? Advancements in early detection and treatment options have given women a fighting chance. Breast Cancer Awareness Month has, over the years, become a key player in spreading the message that early detection is vital. The earlier a diagnosis, the better the odds for successful treatment and survival.
In our own town of New Canaan, an initiative is gaining traction as Julie Stein, a New Canaan resident and passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness, has spearheaded an inspiring effort. Julie’s journey into this cause began over five years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, seemingly without warning. After a determined two-year battle, she emerged victorious. Her experience fueled her commitment to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
Upon settling in New Canaan, Julie saw the town’s strong sense of community as the perfect foundation for launching her ambitious initiative, Project Pink. Supported by the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, local non-profit organizations, and the Service League of Boys (SLOBs), Project Pink is rapidly gaining momentum. The campaign aims to turn New Canaan into a sea of pink for the month of October, visually symbolizing the town’s collective support for breast cancer awareness.
The centerpiece of this initiative is the transformation of New Canaan’s iconic lampposts. For a donation, individuals can dedicate a lamppost in honor of a loved one, memorialize someone lost to breast cancer, or simply show their support for the cause. What began as a modest project has ignited the town’s remarkable philanthropic spirit. Even before official promotion, residents eagerly embraced the chance to participate, with lampposts being claimed at an impressive rate.
Julie’s efforts mirror the commitment to breast cancer awareness in neighboring Greenwich, where the Breast Cancer Alliance (BCA) has been a cornerstone of advocacy since its founding in 1996. Born from the vision of Mary Waterman and five friends, the BCA has raised over $30 million, funding cutting-edge research, supporting breast surgery fellowships, and advancing education and outreach efforts. Their slogan—“New Research. New Treatments. New Promise”—reflects the BCA’s forward-thinking mission to save lives through science and awareness.
Every October, Greenwich turns pink, thanks to the tireless efforts of BCA Executive Director Yonni Wattenmaker and her team. Yonni has helped transform the BCA into a national force, amplifying its impact far beyond Greenwich and New Canaan.
As New Canaan adopts its own pink flag this October, our town joins a broader movement, one that spans across communities, organizations, and individuals committed to the fight against breast cancer. Our pink lampposts, ribbons, and lights stand as symbols of hope, resilience, and unity in the face of a disease that has taken far too much from too many.
While October is dedicated to breast cancer awareness, the conversation must not end when the pink ribbons come down. Let us continue to push for advancements in research, encourage early detection, and support survivors and their families. Our flag may be pink for one month, but the spirit of the cause must endure year-round.
