Bulletin News

10/21/2011 

To raise awareness for the most common type of cancer among women in the U.S., SUNY Cortland’s Women of Color student group will hold its seventh annual Breast Cancer Walk on Sunday, Oct. 30.

The walk, which begins at 12:30 p.m. on the steps of Corey Union, covers approximately two miles around the SUNY Cortland campus.

The event is free and open to the public, but Women of Color will accept donations. T-shirts will be sold for $10 along with pink capes for $5, with all funds going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization that aims to spread knowledge and foster hope in the fight against the disease.

“Breast cancer is something that is growing rapidly in our lives and many people are being diagnosed with it every day,” said Violeta Rivera, the Women of Color president. “Women of Color works to be a support group for both women and men and we like to support our fellow students by showing them they are not alone.”

Rivera said her group wants to stress that the disease can affect men, too. Knowledge of the disease and early detection programs could help save lives, she said.

After the walk, an open mic program will be held in the Corey Union Exhibition Lounge with the College’s A Cappella singing group. Participants will be able to share stories about their experiences with breast cancer, read poems and listen to support others.

“This is an institution full of different people who may not know what others have faced or what they are facing now, and having that support on campus is beneficial to those who need it,” said Rivera. “It’s also important to spread awareness on how to prevent breast cancer, how to perform a self examination and what can possibly lead to breast cancer.”

The Women of Color will provide a free continental breakfast to the first 50 people to arrive at the walk.

For more information, contact Rivera.