By Kearsley Coats

“I heart boobies,” is becoming a very controversial phrase. Teens everywhere are buying the bracelets that say this and it is not hard to spot the wild colors and simple, yet loud, quote. With so many different statements being tossed around, it is hard to see if kids are wearing them for novelty purposes or to support the cause. So, we want to know, what is the real story behind the bracelets?

Everyone has seen them, or at least heard of them. Bracelets with statements like “I love boobies,” “Save the ta-tas,” and “Keep a breast.” Many people disagree with the wild popularity of these wrist-bands, saying the language is “vulgar” and inappropriate, provoking language that is too mature for the teens sporting the bracelets to talk about.

“The bracelets are cool but sometimes I think the message isn’t getting across, just the style,” said Jenny Cabanas, a sophomore at Newman Smith High School.

But that’s what was meant by the founders of the Keep A Breast Foundation, to make the bracelets and shirts fun and understandable for youth around America and to get kids talking about breast cancer. The founders wanted to speak to the youth in their own voice, with words that are becoming common in young adult language. They are meant not necessarily to help find a cure for breast cancer, but rather to raise a riot about breast cancer awareness and prevention in younger teens.

Breast cancer accounts for 25 percent of all cancer diagnosed to women. The Keep A Breast foundation wanted to raise awareness to young adults about preventing this disease and fighting against it if diagnosed.  After all, the foundations’ slogan is “Never let anyone tell you you’re too young for breast cancer.”

“I support the bracelets. I mean it’s easier to understand ‘keep a breast’ rather than someone telling girls to get a breast exam. The bracelets speak to the kids that need to hear the information the most,” said Jesus Castillo, a freshman at NSHS.

The Keep A Breast Foundation is also supported by multiple bands and famous artists who have showcased the work at shows and designed products for the foundation.  Taking Back Sunday, Chiodos, and Katy Perry are just a few of the sponsors for the Music For Awareness foundation, which is dedicated to bands helping the cause.

Regardless of if you support the foundation or wear the gear for novelty purposes, the products were designed to get people proactive about breast cancer. As young adults, it’s important now, not later, to be aware of your body and the dangers that can be presented to it.