October brings a lot of exciting things in Eastern NC: cooler weather, Pirate football, and pumpkin everything. For many in our community, October is a time of action against breast cancer. October is nationally known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many organizations from sports teams to local businesses get behind the pink movement. At FreshVibes one of the components of our mission is to educate our community about the many benefits of living a whole food, plant-based lifestyle. One of the benefits of living this lifestyle is breast cancer prevention.

FreshVibes in the Community

In an effort to educate the community about a whole food, plant-based lifestyle we must have a presence in the community. We were thrilled to be asked to participate in the following events: The Empty Pink Chair Project and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The Empty Pink Chair Project is a program with the goal of raising money for the Pretty in Pink Foundation. The Pretty in Pink Foundation provides financial support for medical treatments for those who qualify. By participating in The Empty Chair Project, FreshVibes donated a sponsorship to the Pretty in Pink Foundation. At our Arlington Blvd location you will see a hand-painted pink chair representing our participation in the project. The pink chair is designed to symbolize an individual who has lost their life to breast cancer. Check out our founder and owner, Jessica Albea, speaking about why we chose to participate:

Group looks to raise awareness about breast cancer with pink chairs

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a walk and educational event sponsored by the American Cancer Society. This year’s walk was in Greenville’s Town Common on October 12th. Every dollar raised by individuals participating in the walk funds breast cancer research and assisting patients pay for treatment. This year, FreshVibes participated in the event by providing juice samples and educational resources on foods that fight cancer.

Breast Cancer Prevention Resources

At FreshVibes, we aim for individuals in our community to prevent and reverse disease through diet and lifestyle change. There is research to suggest that adopting a whole food, plant-based diet can prevent and even reverse breast cancer. Overall breast health is promoted through eating a low-fat diet that is rich in plants while avoiding animal products. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has an abundance of resources for breast cancer prevention through plant-based diet.

“As a doctor, I want people to know that they already wield some of the most powerful tolls to help take control over the risk of cancer: the fork and knife.” –Dr. Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, President, Physicians Committee

For more information of the Physicians Committee and Breast Cancer Prevention check out their website: https://www.pcrm.org/health-topics/breast-cancer

FreshVibes Beet Cancer Program

In an effort to further educate the community on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, FreshVibes is hosting a Beet Cancer Wellness Series in November. Each session will focus on proper nutrition, a cooking demo, plant-based dinner, as well as tips and resources to support a healthy mind and body. The series will be held every Wednesday November 6th—20th from 5:30pm-7:00 pm. This series is open to all who are interested in learning more about a plant-based lifestyle. If you are interested in participating or learning more about the program please e-mail Jessica Albea at jessica@localfreshvibes.com.

Need more inspiration to win the battle against breast cancer? Check out this success story from our friends at Forks Over Knives:

After Breast Cancer, a Plant-Based Diet Gave Me a New Lease on Life