I was talking with a friend of mine on the phone a few weeks ago. This friend was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago and has since beat it. She’s a fighter! And she does it with humor and grace. I don’t know how she does it. She asked if I would focus some attention on the topic this month as October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It was an easy “of course” and “why haven’t I done this earlier?” So I decided to make breast cancer ribbon balloons, because “go big or go home!,” right?!
You see, both my grandmothers had breast cancer. My dad’s mom, Helene Aileen McGuire Watson from Brooklyn, New York, was diagnosed when she was 49. The cancer eventually spread throughout her body and after four years she lost the battle. My dad was 13. My mom’s mother, Dorothy Bradshaw from Los Angeles, the sweetest person in the entire world, was diagnosed later in her life and underwent a double mastectomy. She later passed away from unrelated health issues.
Clearly, breast cancer awareness is something close to my heart, which is why I was thrilled when I could partner with Lands’ End. For the second year they are kicking off the Pink Thread Project, a campaign created to help raise awareness and funding for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), to further support the organization’s mission to be the end of breast cancer by advancing the world’s most promising research.
The Pink Thread Project is a simple way to raise funds for breast cancer research by adding any monogram or embroidered icon using pink thread to Lands’ End apparel, accessories or home goods. All you have to do is order and apply a personalized monogram or icon using a shade of pink thread to any Lands’ End item that can be embroidered – from totes and towels to cardigans and shirts. $4.50 of the $6.00 monogram and embroidery application fee will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. You can take part in the Pink Thread Project from September 15 through October 31, 2016 by ordering online at landsend.com.
Lands’ End also has a designated assortment of accessories that they created especially for this campaign including totes, sock sets and scarves in pink. 25% will be donated to BCRF.
I decided to monogram both of my grandmother’s initials, along with mine, onto their special extra large Breast Cancer Awareness bag. H for Helene, B for Brittany, and D for Dorothy and it’s been such a beautiful reminder of my grandmothers. Plus, This bag has been a perfect crafting bag. I can fit anything into it (it’s purported to hold 500 pounds!).
I also stocked up on some monogramed sock sets special for their campaign along with these velvet Raspberry skimmer shoes. Their pale pink wrap trench coat, which is perfect for the campaign (and the onset of fall!). 
We really got into the spirit of things and ended up making some pink ribbon balloons, which would be perfect for any events you’re attending or putting on (we’re participating in the Salt Lake City local Huntsman Cancer Foundation 5K). 
Learn now to make the DIY Breast Cancer Awareness pink ribbon balloons below
DIY Breast Cancer Awareness pink ribbon balloons
Materials:
- long pink balloons
- low temperature glue gun
- balloon pump
- wooden dowel
- Blow up your balloon all the way and tie tightly.
- Overlap the balloon and glue in place.
- For a backdrop, tape or glue the balloons to your wall or backdrop.
- For a dowel, glue the balloon to the dowel.
Voila!
I can’t wait to see how you use the balloons for your events. They’re so cheap and easy to make I can envision that they would make a great theme to your event.
You can participate in the project by tagging your photos with #PinkThread.
See our other balloon projects HERE and HERE.
Photography by Anna Killian | Styling by Aliza Wride
This post was done in partnership with Lands’ End and their Pink Thread Project Campaign.