The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

    Pink Week raises awareness for breast cancer through fundraising

    In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Colleges Against Cancer will be holding their annual Pink Week on the Quad from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 10 to 14.

    During this week, the registered student organization is educating the student body about breast cancer and raising money to support those whose lives are influenced by this disease.

    “What we make this week is the money that helps us start up Relay for Life. All proceeds go toward the American Cancer Society,” said Alma Juarez, co-vice president of the organization and senior in AHS.

    Relay for Life is the main international fundraiser that the cancer society holds. The Colleges Against Cancer chapter at the University hosts its own relay yearly.

    “I came to a Colleges Against Cancer meeting when I was the captain of a Relay for Life team, and I’ve been involved ever since,” said Kim Loconsole, senior in LAS.

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    Aside from decorating the Alma Mater in pink, the organization will be selling T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, pink hair extensions, headbands and ribbons. Event planners Loconsole and Matt Cronin, junior in FAA, have worked simultaneously in designing this merchandise. The T-shirts that read “I ‘heart’ Boobs” will be available for $5 and the long-sleeve T-shirts, which read “Losing hope is not an option” are selling for $10.

    The cancer education committee of the organization is also putting together informative posters and handouts about preventions and treatments.

    “We’re trying to raise awareness with the general public and the student body,” said Ryan Leverentz, co-vice president of the organization and senior in LAS.

    Although the fundraiser is taking place strictly on the Quad, Pink Week has become a campus-wide event. Many other groups and organizations on campus are participating as well, including sororities and fraternities. Students, faculty and staff members are strongly encouraged to get involved by buying merchandise and becoming aware of breast cancer and its impact on many peoples’ lives.

    “Cancer wasn’t a big factor in my life, but I saw how much people care and how big of an issue it is around us,” Juarez said. “It’s not going to beat itself, so we have to raise money and participate in order to find a cure someday.”

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