The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and the Lubbock Area Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure presented Positively Pinktober in October of 2008. The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal had a touch of Pink each day in October. 

On October 1^st, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal went pink with a completely pink paper in an effort to spread breast cancer awareness across the South Plains.  Throughout October, survivors of all ages, backgrounds, race and stages shared their breast cancer survival stories.  Each survivor was asked to tell their story in their own words.  To keep each story unique, guidelines and instructions were not listed.   

In addition, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal hosted Pinktober: A Celebration of Life and Learning for Women.  Pinktober, a day long event, provided women with breast cancer education along with shopping and entertainment.  The West Texas Bra Ball was unveiled at Pinktober.  For months, women of West Texas were encouraged to donate their new, used or just worn in bras to the Bra Ball.  Messages of support were written on bras to express hope for those in the fight or sympathy for those who had lost their battle to breast cancer.

Not only was Pinktober a time for education and sharing of stories, the month also served as a fundraiser.  A portion of the proceeds generated from Pinktober were donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Lubbock Area Affiliate.  

Pinktober was a time to celebrate the many breast cancer survivors in our area and to share in their journey through their stories of triumph against this disease.  For those battling breast cancer, it provided hope that they too will fight this disease and win.  Breast cancer survivors are very special people who posses the ruthless determination to live, regardless of the odds that may be stacked against them.  At Komen, we often refer to survivors as warriors in pink, and that is exactly what they are.  They are men and women with a willingness to fight a battle no one should have to face.  These warriors embrace the battle along with their armies of support, and many times come out on top. 

Pinktober was a time to learn, a time to celebrate and a time to remember all of those who have been faced with this disease.  Hopefully the following 31 stories will give you hope and insight into the battle against this disease.