The Editor,
Re: Film questions where those pink dollars go, Entertainment, Feb. 1.
As a breast cancer survivor, and an avid volunteer of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, I watched with interest the premiere of Pink Ribbons, Inc. at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film, which speaks to the need for inclusivity of perspectives and attitudes about the cause, misses out on the voice of the thousands of people who proudly raise funds for breast cancer research and awareness.
All while questioning the motives of the corporations and foundations, the filmmakers never sought to question the motivations of the members of the breast cancer community that participate in the runs and walks, or to explore the value they derive from that very community.
Also, there has been progress in the field the mortality rate in Canada has decreased by 35 per cent since 1986. The research featured in the film by Drs. Brophy and Keith was funded in part through the foundation.
The vast majority of the films statistics were not Canadian. For Canadian statistics, visit the foundations website at www.cbcf.org.
The film raises a valid point when it talks about the use of the pink ribbon on products and what percent of proceeds actually go to research. There is always room for improvement, and Id like to see corporate partners be more transparent about exactly how much they are giving and who they are giving it to.
My mother and I battled breast cancer at the same time in 1992. I survived. I was inspired to get involved with the foundation. When breast cancer knocked on my door again in 2008, I knew progress had been made since my initial diagnosis.
Carol Ann Cole
Founder of Comfort Heart Initiative
Pink Ribbons Inc. premieres in Richmond Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. in Richmond City Hall, Council Chambers. Tickets are $10 available through www.doxafestival.ca or by calling 604-646-3200.
