BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ☐ No ☒
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
Adopt a Resolution Recognizing October 2026 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 2026 AS NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.
Body
SUMMARY:
The Human Resources Division recommends that the Board formally acknowledge and declare October 2026 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), an annual campaign organized by breast cancer charities to increase awareness of breast cancer and raise funds for research. <https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/>
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.
Learn about Breast Cancer
Educating women and men about how to be proactive about their breast health, knowledge, and early detection saves lives.
Early Detection
According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.
Resource Guide:
The American Cancer Society <https://www.cancer.org/>
The American Cancer Society (ACS) provides resource lists for free or low-cost mammograms and financial assistance based on your location.
In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Valley Water’s Human Resources is conducting an effort to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation. All funds raised will
be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to help advance breast cancer research, patient support, education, and advocacy.
History of wearing pink:
Why do we wear pink for breast cancer?
The story of the pink ribbon began with Charlotte Hayley, a woman who battled breast cancer, who attached peach-colored breast cancer awareness ribbons to cards that read: “The National Cancer Institute’s annual budget is 1.8 billion US dollars, and only 5 percent goes to cancer prevention. Help us wake up our legislators and America by wearing this ribbon.”
Evelyn Lauder of Estée Lauder Cosmetics and Alexander Penney, the editor-in-chief of Self Magazine, liked Hayley’s idea and decided to use it for their breast cancer awareness promotion. Lauder, Penney, and Hayley collaborated to create the pink ribbon symbol for breast cancer awareness.
October 27, 2026, Valley Water employees are showing their support by wearing “PINK” for those who have survived breast cancer (we have some among us, and they wear “dark pink” to show they beat the odds), and others will be remembering those who have sadly succumbed to this disease.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IMPACT:
There are no environmental Justice Impacts associated with this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This item has no financial impacts.
CEQA:
The recommended action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Resolution
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER: Manager
Patrice McElroy, 408-630-3159