By Meahgan Jameyson, Staff Writer
For almost 30 years, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure movement has worked diligently to spread Breast Cancer Awareness to the masses and become the largest source of nonprofit organizations dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, organizations and students on Saint Leo University’s campus are joining in on the fight against breast cancer like never before; many events are taking place on campus in support of breast cancer awareness.
The Rho Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. encouraged the Saint Leo Community to wear pink on October 14, 2011 to show those suffering from breast cancer, or those who have relatives suffering from breast cancer that Saint Leo students support their struggle. Also, on October 14th, the fraternity is hosting a breast cancer seminar in the Donald R. Tapia School of Business. Doctors came to speak and educate Saint Leo students about breast cancer and provide mammograms for those interested or in need. Kyle Sears stated that “Our mission for October 14 is to save lives by increasing the awareness of breast cancer here at Saint Leo University.”
Saint Leo University Athletics hosted a Pink Out volleyball game on September 30, 2011. Spectators were encouraged to wear pink to the game, and the organization with the most members in pink won a pizza party for their entire organization.
On October 8, 2011, The Florida Alpha-Mu Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon hosted their first annual event, A Walk to Remember, to raise money for the Susan G. Komen – For the Cure Foundation. The fundraiser was be held in a sponsorship style where spectators put money towards a brother of their choosing. The more money a brother had put towards them, the further and longer they have to walk…in women’s high heels. Each “lap” the brother took would cost a sponsor $5. Michael Castronuovo said, “The brothers have come together and chosen this organization to work with because, as a chapter, we recognize that breast cancer has affected all of our lives. Many of the brothers’ mothers, grandmothers, and close family friends have either battled the fight against breast cancer or are currently going through the fight right now. We chose this fundraiser to give back to our families, and more importantly to recognize the women in our lives that have gone above and beyond for us. If it weren’t for these women, we would not be the men we are today. To us, this fundraiser was a way to give back to our loved ones.”
How can you show support, get involved, and join in the fight against breast cancer? There are a few events still happening in the month of October to spread awareness. Theta Phi Alpha is holding a walk against breast cancer, with dates and times to be announced. Also, Tau Kappa Epsilon is hosting their fifth annual Pink Out Day for which they encourage all students to wear pink on October 27, 2011. The brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon will also host a small giveaway that day for all who participate. Get out there and get involved!
Three Breast Cancer Facts You Should Know:
- Twenty- eight percent of all cancers in women have breast cancer.
- About one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, and as they grow older their risk increases.
- One out of nine women diagnosed with breast cancer have some family history of the disease.
