Awareness Bracelets?

[JayEgo]

Are you aware of the growing trend in awareness bracelets?

I recently became aware of the 'Anti-bullying' campaign through the BBC Radio One website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1) and made a poll concerning bullying following my recieving a blue anti-bullying bracelet. But having looked into this further, I have discovered that awareness bracelets seem to be the new awareness ribbons...?

Started, apparently, by Lance Armstrong, the guy who had testicular cancer and won the tour de france, they have become a major fundraising and awareness tool.

Well, have a read at this relatively short piece of BBC News (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4233623.stm) if you're interested... And do let us know if you find anywhere selling awareness bracelets! Others may want to contribute to good causes too!

So, the question: Were you aware of awareness bracelets?

Ja¥son xx

[C_ris]

I was, but only through the already having read the second article you linked to.

[Ravien Coromana]

oi. i put i was unaware, untile i read the name lance armstrong, and then i thought, OH NO! NOT THE YELLOW BRACLETS! so ive never had one, but are quite aware of them. Almost 300 people in my school wear one or more.

[JayEgo]

To be quite honest, other than the publicity I've seen online, I've never spotted another soul wearing one! 300 in one school ain't too bad!

Do you think they're worn more as fashion accessories than for real purpose and meaning though?

Ja¥son xx

[woollymouse]

I don't need a bracelet to be aware of things. Ok so it brings things to the fore but, that doesn't always solve the problem.

[Apocalypse]

One of the local radio stations has it's own brand going - in aid of Tsunami survivors.... apparently they've got 10,000 orders already! :faint:

I don't have any, but I do think they're a good idea :good:

[JayEgo]

I don't need a bracelet to be aware of things. Ok so it brings things to the fore but, that doesn't always solve the problem.Though a show of support and a contribution to a charity that is working towards the good of things can't be all bad?

I do appreciate what you're saying though, it's why I asked about the fashion statement. It's all well and good to be seen to show support but it makes a damn site more difference if you mean it and are prepared to do something about it. I personally wear the anti-bullying band in support of campaigns against bullying but woyuld also take action if I felt there was a bullying situation going on in my workplace for example!

Like wearing the red ribbon... I also practiced safer sex and I promoted safer sex issues to others through a charitable organisation!

Actions speak louder than words...?

Ja¥son xx

[Milo]

Everybody around here has them. So much that I dont want them, cause its becoming just another trend. However, I might get two afterall: the "think BLUE 11/08" one and the black "I did not vote 4 bush" one.

[Crysania]

I was forced to vote that I have one because one of my uncles thought it would be neat to get my sister and I some of those Lance Armstrong yellow bracelets. I don't wear it though because I think that it shouldn't be so specific to him. (ie. the LiveStrong logo on it) I wish I could find a pink breast cancer one because that would hit so much closer to home since most of the women on my mom's side of the family has had it and a couple of them passed away from it. Anyway, I won't wear one unless I have a personal reason to do so because I refuse to jump on the bandwagon and wear tons "just because everyone else is".

[wulfin]

i've heard of them but never seen anyone wear them. So it's not much of a trend up here (either for awareness or just a fashion trend).

i wear a ribbon charm on my italian charm bracelet for pcos but thats as close as i get.

[Silverspirit157]

"I was aware of ribbons but not bracelets"

We have several such charity/awareness campaigns here...for aids orphans, aids victims, abused children, abused women, abused cats, support for this or that childrens home or centre for the deaf/blind/insane/various others.

They do stickers, lapel badges, ribbons, pens/pencils...but bracelets are a new one on me!

They do good work and the awareness thingys are selling...people do wear them here. You see it all the time in some places.

[JayEgo]

I was forced to vote that I have one because one of my uncles thought it would be neat to get my sister and I some of those Lance Armstrong yellow bracelets. I don't wear it though because I think that it shouldn't be so specific to him. (ie. the LiveStrong logo on it) I wish I could find a pink breast cancer one because that would hit so much closer to home since most of the women on my mom's side of the family has had it and a couple of them passed away from it. Anyway, I won't wear one unless I have a personal reason to do so because I refuse to jump on the bandwagon and wear tons "just because everyone else is".Found a mass of pink wristbands on eBay but I fear most of these are from folks trying to cash in :irked:

I've had a major search on UK websites and can't find a great deal in the form of wristbands for breast awareness on sale from 'charity' organisations in this country! I'd very much like to get a hold of some, for myself and family members but I'm not going to spend money on them to line someones pocket! No way! I will only pay if I know the money is going to help fund research and treatments etc... That's half the point if you ask me! :roll:

Ja¥son xx

[Bamy]

i totally agree jayson. i would wear the pink breast cancer one only if it were sold with the money going to charity.

[Lisa Lewis]

I chose I have 1 or more because I've bought them for my kids... I wanted one for myself, but they don't fit on my fat wrists :( . I got the Lance Armstrong one for my son Alek and told him that when anyone asked him about it he had to tell them what it was for!! He said, "sure".... Then I told him what it was for and he had this look on his face :eek: But still promised to tell people it was for cancer of the "B*lls" he couldn't say the correct word!

[Lady Arwyn]

I became awareof them last fall, suddenly everyone was wearing the Lance Armstrong "Livestrong" bracelets. I have the desire to get some for a few things I support, but now that they have become a fad, I go out of my way to avoid them. Maybe I'll wait till the fad is over.

If I were to buy some I would get:

Livestrong: yellow
Autism: multi
IPU: clear pink

[NeouofPern]

I have a yellow one. However, I stopped wearing it when it became a fad, and no longer for a cause. I do still want the Hot Topic ones... All black, and say music=life. They benefit bringing music to inner city schools.

[Crysania]

Found a mass of pink wristbands on eBay but I fear most of these are from folks trying to cash in :irked:

I've had a major search on UK websites and can't find a great deal in the form of wristbands for breast awareness on sale from 'charity' organisations in this country! I'd very much like to get a hold of some, for myself and family members but I'm not going to spend money on them to line someones pocket! No way! I will only pay if I know the money is going to help fund research and treatments etc... That's half the point if you ask me! :roll:

Ja¥son xx

I agree. Let me know if you find some that actually benefit an organization
would you? :)

[Ez]

I've never seen the bracelets before, but I have bought numerous ribbons for things like breast cancer awareness and stuff. Also things like Bandaged Bears for the Children's Hospital, Red Noses for SIDS research and things like that.

[Beisla]

I've heard of them in the UK and elsewhere, but never seen or heard of them in Finland.

[Dawn]

I knew about the Lance Armstrong bracelets, but I don't own one. Haven't really heard about any others. :tilt:

[C_ris]

Found a mass of pink wristbands on eBay but I fear most of these are from folks trying to cash in :irked:

I've had a major search on UK websites and can't find a great deal in the form of wristbands for breast awareness on sale from 'charity' organisations in this country! I'd very much like to get a hold of some, for myself and family members but I'm not going to spend money on them to line someones pocket! No way! I will only pay if I know the money is going to help fund research and treatments etc... That's half the point if you ask me! :roll:

Ja¥son xx
to me, thats not half the point, its the WHOLE point!

[JayEgo]

to me, thats not half the point, its the WHOLE point!I meant half the point in having them.. The other half is to raise awareness!

°Alter xx

[j_mercuryuk]

the make poverty history braclets are on sale at our school. i've seen alot of them around recently, looks like they're becoming a fashion statement.

[Apocalypse]

the make poverty history braclets are on sale at our school. i've seen alot of them around recently, looks like they're becoming a fashion statement.

Well, so long as ALL the money goes to charity - who cares if they're a fashion statement? ;) Yes, people need to be aware, not just buying something for fashion, but the charities getting the money makes some steps towards making changes.... :D

[j_mercuryuk]

Well, so long as ALL the money goes to charity - who cares if they're a fashion statement? ;) Yes, people need to be aware, not just buying something for fashion, but the charities getting the money makes some steps towards making changes.... :D

*riases hands*
i wasn't complaining, in fact i think its a very good idea.
the only down side is that there are ones with nike symbols and others on, which means it's not really riasing awarness.

[Apocalypse]

*riases hands*
i wasn't complaining, in fact i think its a very good idea.
the only down side is that there are ones with nike symbols and others on, which means it's not really riasing awarness.

They come with Nike logos?! :shake:

[Dux]

My step-dad is a huge Lance Armstrong fan and got the kids bracelets to play with. One of neighbors was given one yesterday after giving blood (red naturally :roll: )

[Dux]

i totally agree jayson. i would wear the pink breast cancer one only if it were sold with the money going to charity.
Me too. Here found the link http://www.lifebracelets.com/shop_bc.shtml

[C_ris]

I meant half the point in having them.. The other half is to raise awareness!

°Alter xx
ok :D

[Milo]

Maybe when the fad dies a little i'll get one or two.

On the Breast cancer ones... "I will" ... I will what?

[Hans]

Awareness is in the heart, not in a bracelet (hence I wear the dishwasher one)

[Lisa Lewis]

I became awareof them last fall, suddenly everyone was wearing the Lance Armstrong "Livestrong" bracelets. I have the desire to get some for a few things I support, but now that they have become a fad, I go out of my way to avoid them. Maybe I'll wait till the fad is over.

If I were to buy some I would get:

Livestrong: yellow
Autism: multi
IPU: clear pink

What's IPU!?!?!?

[Anareth]

Honestly, while I appreciate that the money from the purchase goes to charities, I think wearing the things is a bit silly. The only bracelet I've ever worn for a statement is a POW/MIA bracelet (having made a FoIA request for the guy's records, I suspect a more accurate description would have been KIA/body not recovered, but there you have it).

[JayEgo]

Emailed Cancer research UK to ask if they knew of any pink wristbands on sale in the UK with proceeds direct to charity but basically, they don't know. They are considering it for the future themsleves but that's about it :roll:

Ah well...

Ja¥son xx

[Nurianna]

Copper bracelets to denote the freedom from slavery... One I saw was actually shakle shaped with a small lock on it,

and Silver bracelets that were engraved with the name and service date of Vietnam Vets and POWs/MIAs~

the yellow ones..

I've made Friendship bracelets and have worn them to depleation.. my kids still sometimes make them and give them to their cousins to share with thier friends..

Wish/fortune bracelets, also worn to oblivian..

**:D nope, never owned one of the "big name" bracelets.. but I've always admired them..**



~~~~ :offtopic: kinda~
I knit itty-bitty hats that are donated to our local childrens hospital for the preme ward~ we have a local yarn shop (expencive!! but sooooo much a help for the hard to find stuff) that promotes the program and collects the hats all year round~ :D ok back to the bracelet thing..

[Lady of the weyr]

the make poverty history braclets are on sale at our school. i've seen alot of them around recently, looks like they're becoming a fashion statement.

I recently ordered one, as its a topic very close to my heart. As a christian, I feel the Lords placed aids/hiv on my heart and this is affected by debt, so I'm a big supporter of it and i hope all debts are cleared.

For those living in the UK, you can get them from Oxfam bookshops for £1!!!! I have now!

[AnnMarie]

I wasn't aware they brought back the awareness bracelets.

That's right... brought back

In the Vietnam Era, copper cuff bracelets with the MIA logo on the outside were engraved inside with the name of a serviceman listed MIA. My grandmother and aunt each had one. They were given to people so someone besides that individual's family would remember and think of that person.

When the young man who's name was in my aunt's bracelet was found, she got a letter. She was able to hand the bracelet to that young soldier.

My grandmother had hers until 1982, when the remains of a young pilot were finally identified and sent home. SHe sent the bracelet to the man's daughter...who had never had the chance to know her dad.


They are a better idea than the ribbons, if more costly. They last longer.

[Nagetier]

I have quite a few of them, though the "trend" is exceedingly bothersome. As both a cancer patient/autism-haver, I wear two that are for meeee ... neither of which are Livestrong, but Multiple Myeloma (don't have that, per se, but) and the 5 E's Autism one. Plus my Sudan Genocide one ...

The fact that they've become trendy angers me in the idea that now people are just making rubber bracelets that say stuff on them. For no reason at all.

Also, yellow is a dangerous bracelet colour, due to it looking like 'Do Not Recussitate' tags. This is the hospital workers' rant.

[Lindsey]

My roommates all have the yellow LiveStrong bracelets.

I have one that says Come Home Soon. It was put out by the country music group SheDaisy and proceeds benefit the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services Program. This one was given to me as a gift.

Come Home Soon (http://www.shedaisy.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=28)

We all also have Until There's A Cure bracelets that are sold at The Body Shop and whose proceeds go towards AIDS research and education.

UTAC (http://www.usa.thebodyshop.com/bodyshop/browse/product_detail.jsp?productId=prod490005)

[Anareth]

Well, color me mildly amazed (and blue.) After I posted to this thread, my school (a culinary school accreddited/run by Le Cordon Bleu and attached to a for-profit college) handed out blue bracelets that said "realize your dream" to our class and presumably to all the culinary students. The general reaction was--"We're paying $40,000 and they're giving us stupid bracelets?" Maybe because I consider all motivational stuff gimmicky and stupid (if I ever end up running an office I'm putting up the parody posters that mock the "inspirational" stuff with sentiments like Teamwork: Together We Can Make Even Bigger Mistakes) I stuffed mine in my junk drawer.

POW/MIA Vietnam bracelets are still available. Mine, at least, has the name, rank, service, and date missing and in what theater engraved on the outside center of the band, with the state abreviation of his home state on the end of the band. Most of the originals I've seen from the 1960s are basically the same, except mine is thinner metal. IIRC I got mine from the Michigan National Guard booth at the county fair one year.

[AnnMarie]

POW/MIA Vietnam bracelets are still available. Mine, at least, has the name, rank, service, and date missing and in what theater engraved on the outside center of the band, with the state abreviation of his home state on the end of the band. Most of the originals I've seen from the 1960s are basically the same, except mine is thinner metal. IIRC I got mine from the Michigan National Guard booth at the county fair one year.

Are they still made of copper, Anarath?

I may have to ask one of my regular customers about them (NG Drill Sargent)

[Kemala]

I had not heard of them, until I read the article, Think if you are aware you are, dont think you need to advertise it.

[Nefermiw]

I wanted to vote that I had heard of them but didn't have any, but it says that the poll is closed :confused:

The one I have heard of was for breast cancer. I did a google on the German version and came up with this: http://www.komen.de/frameset.htm?/news/05_02_21-Pink-Forever.htm
I also tried to find something in Danish, but there I could only find the yellow live-strong bracelet (wich I have never heard about before today).

:2cent: I think that there are better ways to raise awareness about something than selling a bracelet and I think it is a false "good conscience" that people are buying with these bracelets.


(Will the poll open up again so I can get to vote?)

[JayEgo]

I wanted to vote that I had heard of them but didn't have any, but it says that the poll is closed :confused: Indeed Dreamcake! I set all my polls to run for just a month, otherwise you can never really call a result! There's no harm in continuing to talk about the subject though :ok:

Ja¥son xx

[Milo]

Still waiting on my black one... arg.

[JayEgo]

Still waiting on my black one... arg.Black for...?

I've now got a yellow'Livestrong' band and anti-poverty white band! :ok: Need to find the black and white interlocked for racism in football and a pink Breast Cancer one still...

Anyone know what Orange is for? I've seen a lot of students wearing them...?

Ja¥son xx

[Milo]

Black for...?

I've now got a yellow'Livestrong' band and anti-poverty white band! :ok: Need to find the black and white interlocked for racism in football and a pink Breast Cancer one still...

Anyone know what Orange is for? I've seen a lot of students wearing them...?

Ja¥son xx
"I did not vote for Bush" :noface:

I forget what the orange is for. EVERYBODY around here looks like they've got rainbows on their arms.

[Mayhem]

K, I know this is AAAAAGES old, but I found it and had to post...........
Got a pic of all my bands (well, the ones I could find anyways)

Left arm:
Pink: Breast Cancer
Blue: Anti Bullying
Yellow: Livestrong
White: Fabric, Make poverty history
Camo: Support our troops
Blue with Jigsaw bits: Autism

Right arm:
Blue and Yellow: Marie Curie cancer care
Black and white interlocked: Racism
Yellow and dark and light blue: Sue Ryder
Camo: Support our troops, desert edition
Orange: Kidney Research

I have another somewhere, blue green white and red for Preemies, and a red british heart foundation one. JUS found em lol!

[spellwight]

The fact that they've become trendy angers me in the idea that now people are just making rubber bracelets that say stuff on them. For no reason at all.

Yeah, mine's tie-dye colored and says "Groovy." I wear it all the time. :p

[Cavatica]

I'm sort of annoyed that I can't yet find a GLBT rainbow-colored bracelet, though "God Bless the World" on http://www.yellowrubber.net/ is sort of close... There are also some Star Wars ones at the bottom of the page I might have to invest in. :evil:

Edit: Just what I was looking for! (http://www.gayprideband.com/) :D

[Dawn]

I didn't have any when I first voted. Now I have two:

Half red, half black with "Cure SMA" on it (Spinal Muscular Atrophy (http://www.fsma.org/)) - A family at my church has a 9 month old that was diagnosed with border line Type 1/Type II.

Red & gold marble with "Go Tigers" on it - Fund raiser for the local football team.

I rarely wear the Tigers one, but I do wear the SMA one quite a bit. :)

[JayEgo]

I'm sort of annoyed that I can't yet find a GLBT rainbow-colored bracelet, though "God Bless the World" on http://www.yellowrubber.net/ is sort of close... There are also some Star Wars ones at the bottom of the page I might have to invest in. :evil:

Edit: Just what I was looking for! (http://www.gayprideband.com/) :DI'd been keeping half an eye peeled but had only found 'bangles' so far, which're not the same... There's something about the latex feel :evil:

Still, the link is to an American website of course, but that doesn't mean they would'nt ship...? Will have to check it out when at home, it's not opening properly on teh w**k PC.

Personally, I've increased my collection...

I have:
beat Bullying (Blue)
breast Cancer Awareness (Pink)
Motor Neurone Disease (Blue / Orange)
Make Poverty History (White - Fabric)

I want...

The original Livestrong (Yellow)
A Latex Make Poverty History (white)
A LGBT one would be nice...?
Child Abuse - Fullstop (Green)

And I'm sure there're more :roll:

°Alter xx

[sglandon]

Was there another poll about this before? I thought I posted something, but it is not here..... (sievehead)

I wear the blue 5 E Autism bracelet every day - I take it off only to shower - my younger son is autistic. I have a LIVESTRONG Bracelet that I wear often, and the purple Relay-for-Life "Celebrate Life" one. My BIL has a brain tumor, and my MIL is a breast cancer survivor. I used to get a lot of questions about the autism bracelet, but since the bracelets are so common now, no one asks. I will be wearing the autism bracelet long after the fad is past, I'm sure.

[Shamira]

One of the High Schools out here is using them as Boosters to help support band. I've seen ones in stores for kids that have princess, brat, love, stregnth, spoiled, diva, etc., on them. I have seen the breast cancer ones as well. Some are a great way to support a cause and some are just worthless rubber. It reminds me of those trendy braclets Madonna wore back in the 80's that is still around. I could live without them.

Till next time.... :wave:

[Lady Miacara]

Was there another poll about this before? I thought I posted something, but it is not here..... (sievehead)

I wear the blue 5 E Autism bracelet every day - I take it off only to shower - my younger son is autistic. I have a LIVESTRONG Bracelet that I wear often, and the purple Relay-for-Life "Celebrate Life" one. My BIL has a brain tumor, and my MIL is a breast cancer survivor. I used to get a lot of questions about the autism bracelet, but since the bracelets are so common now, no one asks. I will be wearing the autism bracelet long after the fad is past, I'm sure.

How old is your youngest son?

My oldest son is 4 1/2 and diagnosed with Moderate Autistic Disorder (High functioning) and I have Asperger's Syndrome myself.

[sglandon]

How old is your youngest son?

My oldest son is 4 1/2 and diagnosed with Moderate Autistic Disorder (High functioning) and I have Asperger's Syndrome myself.

Miacara, Chance is 6 and is in the mild-to-moderate range (just depending on the particular behavior we're looking at - I'm sure you understand what I'm saying). He's doing great in an all-autistic classroom - he still needs a LOT of one-on-one. :)

[Selene]

No

[JessieM]

i had like 7 or eight but i put gave most of mine away to friends, at the moment i have faith and love somewere well my friend is borrowing my love one... i think they are WAY kool

[JayEgo]

Over the past few days have managed to secure three of the four bands I was after... I now have an 'official' LIVESTRONG, a latex MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY and an NSPCC FULLSTOP ●

:D

Ja¥son xx

[Dawn]

I just ordered some of these bracelets: Straight From The Water (http://www.awarestore.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=stores&ARTIST_ID=3375&ACTION=SHOW_CAT&CATEGORY_ID=3&CFID=4948891&CFTOKEN=78043339) (Katrina fundraiser bands).

[Danae]

The only one that I have is the Harry Potter one.