I think it is clever how people and organizations are coming up with different ways to raise awareness for breast cancer this month.

October is known as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and everyone typically wears pink ribbons, the universal symbol of breast cancer awareness, to commemorate those who have been diagnosed.

In the fall of 1991, Susan G. Komen for the Cure handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors.

The pink ribbon is not a registered trademark in the U.S., but is very symbolic and for the past few years people have been thinking outside of the box and taking it a step further than just the traditional pink ribbon.

From pink hair extensions to supporting the cause by mail, people have become more creative with raising awareness by emphasizing more on the color pink.

Visions Hair Studio is offering pink highlights or clip-ins to its customers, two for $25, and 10 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, an organization that supports breast cancer research.

I think this is a witty idea because it can be stylish and will definitely catch the attention of others. Most important, customers will be contributing to a good cause.

The Clanton Post Office is also raising awareness by selling Breast Cancer Awareness stamps and by decorating the inside of its branch pink. Pink balloons, ribbons, streamers and pens decorate the inside of the branch. From a book of $11 stamps, $2.20 of the proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research, and individual stamps can be purchased for the cause as well.

To me, these are great ways and ideas to raise awareness. As long as it is in good taste and people do not forget the purpose and goals of the month, with one of the goals being to promote mammography as an effective way to fight against breast cancer.

Freedom of expression.

–Theadoris Morris is a staff writer for The Clanton Advertiser.