Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in U.S. women, but thanks to advances in detection and treatment, the mortality rate has fallen 44% since 1989. Celebrate survivors, remember warriors and support medical research at these activities during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast Cancer Awareness 5K
Take advantage of the seasonal temperatures on Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-noon, and join this inaugural run/walk for breast cancer awareness at Cameron Run Regional Park. Registration is $25 for everyone ages 10 and older. 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria
Ninth Annual Pink Carpet Event
Put on your prettiest pink outfit and sashay your way to this Falls Church party/fashion show at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 4. Breast cancer survivors will walk the runway wearing looks by fashion designers from the D.C. metro area and Baltimore. Tickets start at $28.52. Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park, 3111 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church
National Breast Center Foundation Pink Weekend
This weekend-long observance in Alexandria includes two main events: the ALX Pink Gala on Oct. 17, 7 p.m., and the 10th Annual Walk to Bust Cancer on Oct. 19, 7:30 a.m. At the gala, wear your fav pink outfit or accessory and dance the night away, while taking a moment to browse the items in the silent auction. For the walk, grab your sneakers and head out on a 1.3-mile trek around Fort Hunt Park. Admission to the gala is $100. Walkers 12 and younger pay $25, while teens and up pay $45. ALX Community Atrium, 277 S. Washington St., Alexandria, and Fort Hunt, 8999 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
The American Cancer Society hosts one of the biggest awareness events in D.C. on Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Tidal Basin. The 3- to 5-mile noncompetitive solidarity walk is intended to be a “supportive community for courageous breast cancer survivors and people living with metastatic breast cancer, caregivers and families.” This year’s theme is “Boots on the Ground,” an homage to country-western line dancing. 300 Raoul Wallenberg Place, S.W., Washington, D.C.
Trek Breast Cancer Awareness Ride
Departing from a meet-up spot just south of Fairlington, this community bike ride organized by Trek Bikes is a show of support for people affected by breast cancer. It’s free to participate and kickstands go up Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. 1545 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria
Fourth Annual Epic Beauty Day of Hope
Breast cancer survivors can enjoy a little free pampering at Epic Beauty Rx Spa on Oct. 26 from 2-6 p.m. Services include makeup, eyebrow shaping and threading, and chair massages. Afterward, get a professional photo taken by Jessie Images. Contact hello@epicbeautyrx.com to schedule your time and specify which service you’d like. 7777 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
Bingo for Breast Cancer Awareness
The VHC Health Foundation and the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office are teaming up for the fourth year in a row to host this game night on Oct. 30, 6-8 p.m. It honors sheriff’s office employees who have survived breast cancer and raises money to support access to screening and diagnostic tests. Get three bingo cards for $30, six for $40 or nine for $50. John T. Hazel Conference Center at VHC Health, 1701 N. George Mason Drive, Arlington