It's the Rainbow that Matters

We see them everywhere; ribbons in every shape and color adorning lapels, bumpers, coffee mugs, NFL jerseys, pet sweaters, tattoos... they all mean something important to the people wearing them, and each one has a different meaning. But they're all intended to raise awareness for something and allow people to say "This is important to me." in an unobtrusive but visible way.

There are only so many colors in the rainbow - at least that we humans can discern with our limited optic ability. This month (October), pink is dominating. It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the folks at Komen for the Cure have done their job making everyone think that they pretty much have the trademark on the color. Last month it was teal, for ovarian cancer, or for all female reproductive system cancers in general. Next month it will be white for lung cancer - the number one cancer killer in the United States. The general "cancer" ribbon color is purple.

At times, keeping track of all the colors and what they stand for can get a bit nutty, as different diseases and causes are all vying for finite space on the color spectrum, but let's take a step back and remember for a moment - it's the message behind the rainbow that counts. If we can be so bold as to use a biblical reference: according to the book of Genesis, the rainbow was placed in the sky after the great flood that required Noah to build the Ark and navigate around in what was surely a very uncomfortable and unenviable cruise for 40+ days and nights. God promised Noah that he would never flood the Earth to that degree again, and hung a rainbow as his visible "cross my heart" kind of commitment.

Those of us who choose to wear a ribbon do so to recognize those we love, remember those we miss, honor those we respect, or just advertise a cause that speaks to us... we are "crossing our heart" and promising to remind others of the importance of research, awareness, and fighting the good fight in our chosen cause. Our lives are rainbows of promise and remembrance. Wear your ribbon(s) proudly and do your part in the fight to find a cure, no matter what color it is.