This past October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I had the opportunity to visit the SBMC Breast Cancer Awareness display in the Mall at Short Hills in partnership with Saint Barnabas Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, to raise awareness for breast health. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. That’s a pretty scary number. Early detection is key! Ensuring proper screening, such as mammograms, can help detect breast cancer earlier, allowing the best treatment and outcome possible—that’s why it’s so important to share conversations and spread awareness about preventive care. Even though October is over, it’s never too late to spread awareness and remind your loved ones to get their screenings, and make sure their breast health is in check. 
One of my favorite parts about visiting the exhibit at Short Hills Mall was reading the inspiring stories of so many brave women who survived this disease through “The Faces of Breast Cancer,” which was a moving display located in their Grand Court through October 30. It showcased the powerful stories of six women who received their care at Saint Barnabas Medical Center and reinforces the partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey — the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. These awe-inspiring women have impacted so many lives through their advocacy, dedication and positive thinking. Saint Barnabas Medical Center also partnered with 60 stores throughout the mall to display valuable breast health tips.
In addition, Saint Barnabas Medical Center held the “Pink Lips Challenge”; a fun way to remind your loved ones to get their mammogram—which included putting on your favorite pink lipstick and taking a selfie and sharing. I puckered up, took my selfie in their adorable floral selfie station and then sent the pics directly to my phone to share on my social media accounts—in hopes of spreading awareness about early detection of breast cancer. 
You can learn more about early detection and schedule your mammogram at www.rwjbh.org/mammo.
Thank you Saint Barnabas Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health for helping me spread awareness about such a special cause.
