Focus should be on cures, not ribbons

Regarding the Monday article, “Does buying pink really aid a cure?”

About 15 years ago people started wearing tiny little red ribbons. No one but the rich and famous people in Hollywood knew the significance of wearing such a thing. We soon learned that it was in honor of those with HIV/AIDS. Soon every organization on Earth became color coded and those who were affected by or infected with something began wearing the obligatory colored-coded ribbon.

I want to know what wearing one of those ribbons signifies. Does it mean, “I am aware there is a horrible disease out there that is killing people”? Or, “Look at me, I know my colors”? Does it make a person feel better because it shows the world that they care and are aware of things going on? Do they cost anything? Do you donate to get one?

The article talked about items colored pink to raise awareness about breast cancer. The director of Breast Cancer Action said we are being “Pinkwashed.” She said, “Awareness we don’t need any more of … the question is ‘what do we do now?’ ” We are way past needing awareness of HIV/AIDS and all the cancers. We need cures and if the people who have these illnesses have no insurance, then they need money to be able to get to the doctors to be able to receive treatment. Walking around displaying a color coded ribbon means absolutely nothing to those people suffering.

My father died of emphysema. Guess what? No color or ribbon. My mother died of pancreatic cancer. Same thing. No colored ribbon. Are some incurable diseases more popular than others? People, put your money where your ribbon is. If you haven’t donated any time or money then I see no reason why you should be wearing a ribbon showing that you care.

Susan Martin

Everett