October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the University’s “Colleges against Cancer” organization will be participating in and volunteering for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Crystal Lake Park, Urbana.
Hosted by the American Cancer Society, the Champaign Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will kick off its third year at 9 a.m., Saturday. With 12 locations throughout Illinois, the Strides walk is expected to attract more than 20,000 participants.
Shayne Squires, regional communications manager for the American Cancer Society-Illinois Division, said there were about 800 walkers who participated in the Champaign walk last year. It has increased each year, she added, and “has grown as people recognize it.”
Squires said the money raised is very important as it goes towards research, support for women and cosmetic uses such as wigs for patients. There is no money spent on advertising for this event. Instead, it is dependent on the walkers and the media to tell their story, Squires added.
“Breast cancer survivors are the true celebrities,” Squires said.
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Ten members of the University’s Colleges Against Cancer organization will be participating in and volunteering, which includes checking people in for teams and passing out water, at the Champaign Strides walk. Mary Kathleen Maloney, vice president of Colleges Against Cancer, said the group has been involved with the local Strides walk for the past six to eight years.
Aranee Sivananthan, president of Colleges Against Cancer, said she has encouraged students to participate through the group’s e-mail list, boasting over 500 general members.
Maloney and Amy Kosich, vice president of Relay for Colleges Against Cancer, described last year as a “really pretty walk” and a “chill” atmosphere because it is a 5k walk and not a run.
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Colleges Against Cancer established a “pink week.” This past week, they sold bracelets and short and long-sleeved t-shirts, featuring clever phrases.
On the Quad, Pita Pit and Coldstone were also involved in a promotion.
Sivananthan said the proceeds from the t-shirt and bracelet sale will go towards Colleges Against Cancer, where it will be donated to the American Cancer Society and help with Relay for Life.
The group is also collecting used bras to donate to a local women’s shelter and provided brochures and flyers on breast health.
A giant ribbon, made of chicken-wire, will feature different colored ribbons for the different kinds of cancer.
