Dress in Blue Day

National Dress in Blue Day was celebrated annually on the first Friday of March. This year it is observed on 2nd March. National Dress in Blue Day creates awareness about the causes of colon cancer and how to prevent it. Like a pink ribbon symbolizes those lost to breast cancer, the blue star represents people who lost to colon cancer. There is a plan of encouraging colon cancer awareness all of March instead of 1st Friday of the month, much like October observed as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Time is shortening. But every day that I challenge this cancer and survive is a victory for me.” – Ingrid Bergman.

History of National Dress in Blue Day

Anita Mitchell, a stage IV colon cancer survivor, came up the concept of “National Dress in Blue Day” in 2006, after losing her father and a close friend to the disease. To bring greater awareness about colon cancer, she worked with her child’s school to organize a day in March called wear in blue, on this day students who usually had to wear uniforms to school were permitted to wear a blue dress of their choice by paying a donation of $1 to colon cancer awareness.  Later Anita Mitchell decided to bring the concept to the Colon Cancer Alliance in the year 2009. In 2011, Carmen Marc Valvo, a fashion designer joined with the Colon Cancer Alliance after her struggle with cancer. Screening and changes in food habits can reduce the deaths of colon cancer by 60%.

How to Celebrate National Dress in Blue Day

On National Dress in Blue Day, encourage your family members, friends, and employees to wear a blue dress instead of their regular uniforms in return for a small donation. It helps to collect some funds which can be used to help patients who have colon cancer and to support prevention and research programs. Also, post pictures and share about the day on social media to create awareness about the day using the hashtag #DressinBlueDay