Think Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness Events in Ames

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and whether you love to shop, attend events, walk or run, there a few different ways to support the cause. Check out the list below of opportunities to go pink in Ames and beyond.

The Bliss Cancer Center at Mary Greeley Medical Center will host the Lily Oncology on Canvas exhibit from Oct. 9 through Oct. 19. The exhibit honors "the journeys people face when confronted by a cancer diagnosis," according to lilyoncologyoncanvas.com.

The art on display is from the 2010 competition that invites cancer patients and their friends, families and care givers to express themselves through art.

JCPenney will also be participating in a national effort to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Free styling and hair cuts will be offered to breat cancer survivors and the company will donate $1 for every free haircut it gives away to the research foundation.

In addition to these Ames events, Iowa residents will be participating in Susan Komen Race for the Cure in Des Moines on Oct. 27.

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.

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.

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.