Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Shop for a Cause

As we enter October, our inboxes begin to overflow with invitations to various breast cancer awareness events. There are dinners and races and all of the reminders to support the breast cancer survivors in your life by sponsoring them on their walk. Needless to say, it takes a lot of energy just to get it all on the calendar, let alone actually participate.

And that's why the gods created retail therapy. This month, many of your favorite stores, brands and companies are donating a portion of proceeds to breast cancer causes. We've checked out a few of them and listed companies below that are not only making a contribution, but they're selling things we totally want to buy.

Under Armour's Power in Pink Program celebrates the women who use fitness and exercise in the fight against breast cancer, featuring real survivors in a national advertising campaign, countless partnerships with non-profit organizations, high school and collegiate Power in Pink games across the country, and a line of high-performing Power in Pink gear (from which 10 percent of proceeds will go to BCA-related organizations). Read and share stories or shop the Power in Pink collection.

New Balance has a partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure that has materialized in the form of the company's Lace Up For the Cure collection. The line of pink products includes everything from sneakers and flip flops to sports bras, shorts and tops, not to mention other accessories. New Balance will donate 5 percent of the suggested retail price of Lace Up For the Cure Items to the cause, with a minimum guaranteed donation of $500,000. (If you see something you like, be sure to check back Monday -- we'll be holding a giveaway featuring some great New Balance Lace Up For the Cure products!)

Oka b wants to donate 50,000 sandals to breast cancer patients undergoing treatment this month, and they need your help to do it. For every pair of sandals purchased online, a pair of popular Madison slides will be given to breast cancer patient, so the more you buy, the more the give.

Oakley has always offered products in its breast cancer awareness category to support the Young Survivors Coalition, a non-profit network dedicated to assisting young women affected by breast cancer. As a partner of the YSC, Oakley donates $20 from each sale of special edition goggles and glasses, like the Discreet, to the cause.

BodyRock Sport is donating 10 percent of proceeds from the sale of select pink-colored bras and headphones to support Susan G. Komen For the Cure. There are six bras and two earbuds to choose from -- with all the styles and patterns, there's no doubt you'll find just what you're looking for.

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