Breast Cancer Awareness Week Begins Women's Month

OK-JIN AHN

Staff Writer

Women’s Month started off with student organized breast cancer awareness projects. Jessica Black (06) is the student who initiated the breast cancer awareness week to raise student’s awareness on campus and in the local community.

Black is planning to participate in the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk with her mother in the Detroit area this August. It is a 60-mile walk hosted by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Each participant raises a minimum of $2,000 and Black has agreed to raise $2,000 to participate in the walk.

Black’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in March of 2003. Due to early detection, her mother is cancer free, however, Black and her mother’s efforts to fight breast cancer are continuing.

“No one else will have to suffer?” Black said. “I met a woman who was diagnosed when she was 24. I walk for all those who have been affected by breast cancer.”

In conjunction with Women’s Month, Black and her friends, Kristi Trinkle (06) and Ashley Sepeter (06), organized fundraising events called 3 Days for the 3-Day

Walk. They started the projects through posting breast cancer statistics around campus on March 1. The signs state facts such as ”A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes,” and “Every 13 minutes, the disease claims another life,” caught student’s attention.

Due to Black’s campus-wide email to request student’s help, the returnable can drive held on Tuesday night was a success. About ten students showed up at the can drive to help her.

“There were many students who supported Black’s efforts,” fundraising manager Trinkle said, “Even one student who was not on campus during the can drive left a message with pop cans.”

On March 3, Registered Nurse, Diane Crites held a presentation about breast cancer, self-breast examinations, and mammograms in Newberry lobby. “This is a wonderful opportunity to educate young woman about breast cancer,” Crites said. A video regarding the last year’s 3-Day walk was also presented.

Tristan Wilson (06) was the only male participant at the event. “Breast cancer awareness is really significant for me,” he said. “My mother has suffered from breast cancer for 6 years. This might not be as serious to some people, but everyone has mothers.”

Jessica Black plans to keep doing fundraising on campus as well as her hometown. “To raise student’s awareness was more important than reaching the fundraising goal of $2,000. I really appreciate many students’ help. We can make a difference,” Black said after the 3-Day projects.

Dr. Chih-Ping Chen of the Women’s Issues Advisory Board admired Black and her friend’s efforts. She hopes students will continue to participate in upcoming programs of Women’s Month.

“Women’s Month festivities are well organized dealing with various issues, such as women and health, body, violence and religion.” Chen said. “I hope many students have a chance to think about women’s life through participation.”

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