How to Honor a Loved One Who Died of Breast Cancer
Posted by: Erin Ward in Grief and Guidance, Memorialization | July 8, 2021
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to share ways to honor a loved one who died of this disease. From raising awareness and encouraging screenings to creating mementos and traditions, there are many creative ideas.
Below are a few ideas to get started!
Raise Awareness About Breast Cancer and Early Detection
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the second most common cancer among U.S. women is breast cancer. And per BreastCancer.org, about one in eight U.S. women will get this disease. That’s why it’s so important to encourage loved ones to get screenings for possible early detection.
To raise awareness, one idea is to share reputable sources on social media, such as useful facts and advice. When posting to social media, use relevant hashtags like #WearPink, #BreastCancerAwareness, and #BreastCancer. You also can start a virtual fundraiser to donate to breast cancer research in your loved one’s memory.
If you’re comfortable with it, another way to raise awareness while honoring your loved one is to start a blog. You can share memories with your loved one, talk about your grief, or anything you’d like. This way, you can connect with others who are going through a similar loss and help them navigate their grief. To reach more people, share the blogs on your social media pages.
You also can show your support by wearing pink. This year, wear pink day is on October 23. When wearing pink, it can be as simple as a pink shirt, tie, or ribbon. On social media, you can update your profile photo to include a breast cancer awareness frame. You also can update your photo to one of you wearing pink or one of you and your loved one.
Create a Meaningful Memento to Honor Their Memory
By creating a memento, you can have physical reminder of your loved one to cherish forever. Whether your memento is breast cancer related or not, it will honor your loved one’s legacy.
Below are a few simple, yet meaningful ideas:
- Create a pink memento, such as a pink memorial frame with a photo of your loved one.
- Make a frame-pressed flower memento with pink flowers or their favorite flowers.
- Write their name and birth and death date on a pink ribbon.
- Put your loved one’s photo in a locket necklace.
- Paint a garden stone with their initials and a short quote or saying.
Many of these can be made in batches, so you can give them to your loved ones, as well!
Start a New Tradition in Your Loved One’s Honor
Another way to honor your loved one is to start a new tradition in their memory. Whether it’s something you do by yourself or as a group, it can help you grieve and pay tribute to your loved one.
Below are a few suggestions:
- Organize a group for a walk/run in your loved one’s honor.
- Host a remembrance dinner for sharing stories about your loved one.
- Visit their gravesite to clean up the area and place flowers.
- Create care packages for your local doctors and funeral directors as a thank-you. For example, you can include pink treats, flowers, and thank-you notes. You also can create care packages for cancer patients.
- Check your community’s event calendar to see what events you can volunteer at during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
What other ways can you honor a loved one who died of breast cancer? Share your ideas with us in the comments!
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