As many of you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At Lobos Management, we take this month to heart. Many of us have spouses, friends, family members, and other loved ones who have gone through cancer treatment—and some of us have even faced it ourselves. We’re more than just apartments for rent; we’re about creating a community that feels like family, where support and care go beyond our day jobs.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month was first established in the mid-1980s, when the American Cancer Society teamed up with Imperial Chemical Industries to dedicate October to raising awareness. Over time, this effort grew into a month-long, nationwide campaign recognized around the world, with the color pink and the pink ribbon becoming powerful symbols of hope and solidarity.

Throughout Pittsburgh, and across the country, countless events, fundraisers, and research initiatives are held to support those affected by breast cancer and to promote early detection and education. The importance of these efforts is clear—the statistics are sobering, and the need for awareness, support, and continued research has never been greater.

WHAT THE STATISTICS SAY ABOUT BREAST CANCER

The statistics around breast cancer are far more frightening than any Halloween spookiness could ever be. Here are a few examples, courtesy of the American Cancer Society:

• Breast cancer accounts for 30%, nearly one-third, of new cancers in women each year.
• Around 42,170 women will die of breast cancer during the year.
• Half of women diagnosed with breast cancer are 62 years old or younger. A small number, though not insignificant by any means, will be diagnosed under the age of 45.

 

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN PITTSBURGH FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 

Pittsburgh, the City of Steel, has iron-like grit when it comes to supporting those impacted by breast cancer. As October comes to a close, there are several incredible events happening across the area that shine a light on awareness, support, and community strength.

• The Duck Race for Breast Cancer Awareness. Hosted by Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel, this fun and unique fundraiser lets you “enter” a toy duck into the race for just $5! The ducks will be dropped into a stream, and if your duck crosses the finish line first, you’ll win $500. Proceeds benefit local breast cancer survivors. Learn more or purchase your duck on the Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel website.

 

• • WHERE: Duff Park – 4500 School Road, Murrysville, PA
  • WHEN: October 25, 2025 at 9:30 AM (rain date – October 26, 2025 at 12 PM)

 

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month Bingo. This event takes place on Tuesday, October 28th, at the University of Pittsburgh’s Pitt Engagement Center. Enjoy a fun evening of bingo with chances to win great prizes, meet new people, and support breast cancer research! Refreshments will be served from 5:30 to 6 PM, and the games kick off right after at 6 PM.

 

• • WHERE: Pitt Community Engagement Center, 622 N Homewood Avenue, Homewood, PA
  • WHEN: Tuesday, October 28th from 5:30 PM to 7 PM

 

• The Great Pink Pumpkin Patch. Presented by Women Who Rock, along with sponsors like Benjamin Moore, Bedner’s Farm Market, The Color Palette Paint Store, and more, this breast cancer awareness event brings a seasonal twist—pink pumpkins! Taking place this Saturday at SouthSide Works, you can purchase a bright pink pumpkin to support breast cancer research at the Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation. The event will also feature flash tattoos, mocktails, local vendors, food trucks, artists, and more. Best of all, it’s free to attend—a perfect way to spend a fall afternoon for a great cause!

 

• • WHERE: Town Square at Southside Works, 424 S 27th St, Pittsburgh, PA
  • WHEN: Saturday, October 25th from 2 PM to 7 PM.

 

LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO DONATE?

At Lobos, our tenants look forward to our annual Halloween door decorating contest every year! Participants have the chance to win $100 off their rent by decorating their front doors—or even other rooms in their apartments—with festive Halloween décor. Past entries have ranged from spooky (we’ve seen quite a few Terrifier-themed creations this year!) to downright adorable, with tenants from across our hundreds of properties getting into the spirit.

We also decorate for a cause. For every entry we receive, Lobos Management will make a donation to a breast cancer charity—helping to spread awareness and support an important mission while celebrating the Halloween season. Check us out on social media to see the results, posted in early November!

Looking for a way to support a worthy cause this season? The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. recommends several charities where your donations can make a real difference:

• American Cancer Society
• Breastcancer.org
• Breast Cancer Research Foundation
• Living Beyond Breast Cancer
• National Breast Cancer Foundation
• Susan G. Komen Foundation
• Young Survival Coalition

 

Of course, we always recommend doing your own research before deciding where to donate, but the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF)’s list is a great place to start!

Though October may be the time of pumpkins, apple cider, and haunted houses, it’s also a meaningful time to pause and reflect. Beyond the fall festivities, October reminds us to honor the strength, courage, and resilience of those who have faced breast cancer—survivors, fighters, and loved ones alike. It’s a chance to come together in support, raise awareness, and remember that behind the pink ribbons are real stories of hope and perseverance.