Aside from fall festivals, pumpkin-spiced everything and Halloween, October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A vast majority of people know someone who has fought or is currently fighting the disease, making the many events happening in the area all the more meaningful. Here’s a roundup of opportunities to fundraise, rally and fight for the cure.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Uptown Alley Manassas
Throughout the month
At Uptown Alley, a night of bowling, games, food and drinks will help raise awareness for breast cancer. Guests can donate $1, and Uptown Alley will add $2 in game play. The event is open to participants all day. // Uptown Alley: 8300 Sudley Road, Suite A-7, Manassas
Donna M. Saunders Foundation Hattitude
Oct. 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Celebrate the efforts to support the research of breast cancer and wear your favorite hat to the Donna M. Saunders Foundation’s luncheon. Explore what the vendors have to offer, participate in a silent auction, and enter to win raffle prizes. Donations are welcomed. // Embassy Suites Springfield: 8100 Loisdale Road, Springfield
Band$ for Buck$
Oct. 7, noon-8 p.m.
Raising money via donations for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Woodbridge’s Band$ for Buck$ will feature seven local bands, an Elvis impersonator, a raffle, silent auction and trivia games. The free event came to fruition after Diane Smiroldo’s family decided that they wanted to find some way to honor their relative Denise, who passed away from breast cancer in Oct. 2009. // 12745 Sea Ray Lane
Walk to Bust Cancer
Oct. 15, 8 a.m.-noon
At the Walk to Bust Cancer, enjoy entertainment and partake in activities before and after a 1.2-mile walk. Check in is at 8 a.m., the walk starts at 9 a.m. and proceeds will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Attendees are asked to register in advance. // Fort Hunt Park: 2501 Parkers Lane, Alexandria
Fifth Annual Race for Every Woman 5K Run/Walk
Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-noon
The fifth annual Race for Every Woman 5K Run/Walk is back. Exercise, meet other survivors and fighters and support the goal of purchasing a mammogram machine to be sent to Ethiopia and Eritrea. Other proceeds will be used to provide financial support to patients struggling with treatment payments. // Barcroft Park: 4200 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington
Flash Mob for Breast Cancer Empowerment
Oct. 14, 12:00 p.m.
Molecular diagnostics company Agendia has partnered with the Tigerlily Foundation, a breast cancer organization educating, advocating for and empowering young women, to organize a flash mob full of breast cancer survivors and supporters. The choreographed dance will be led by over 50 PowerWorx Dance performers. // Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.