Think Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness Events Near Mercer Island

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.

The American Cancer Society’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk is organized nationwide and so far more than 8 million people have walked for this cause and raised about $460 million.

The walk comes to the Eastside this weekend with the 2012 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Bellevue on Sunday, Oct. 7. The fun and festivities are based in Downtown Park and the event begins at 8 a.m.

Next weekend in Seattle, check out the collaborative celebration of art, fashion, food and music at the third annual Beats for Boobs fundraiser. Beats for Boobs is a volunteer organization that grants financial support to local breast cancer non-profits that provide direct services to people breast cancer and survivors, promote prevention or offer breast health education. The musical celebration will take place at the Crocodile Cafe at 2200 2nd Ave., 6 - 11:45 p.m.

When it comes to cancer-awareness, Mercer Islanders might be a little more familiar with the student-run Relay for Life at Mercer Island High School, The next Relay for Life is scehuled for May 4, 2013. The whole community is invited and can register at www.mirelay.org.

There are even more ways to 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.

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.