On Wednesday, Oct. 9, students, staff and community members joined together for the third annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk around Stony Brook’s campus to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Center for Service Learning and Community Service (CSLCS), the walk began with a kickoff and giveaways. For the third year in a row, CSLCS partnered with the Stony Brook Cancer Center, who provided the giveaways, which included bags with bracelets and sunscreen, and resources and methods of early detection for students.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, around 13% of women — roughly one in eight — will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. In 2024, breast cancer is expected to account for about 30% of all new cancer diagnoses amongst women.
“The Breast Cancer Awareness Walk is an opportunity for the Stony Brook community to come together in support of those affected by breast cancer,” Alissa Moeller, program outreach coordinator at CSLCS, wrote in an email to The Statesman. “We are especially excited to collaborate with other departments and student organizations, as dedicated volunteers make this event possible and underscore Stony Brook University’s commitment to supporting members of our community.”
The walk started at the Student Activity Center (SAC) Plaza, where Moeller gave a speech addressing the importance of breast cancer awareness. Attendees then continued around the inner loop and the academic mall.
“Thank you so much for joining us this afternoon. We are here to raise awareness about breast cancer and educate students about resources available to them through places like the Stony Brook Cancer Center,” Moeller said. “We are also here to show support to those affected by breast cancer and come together as a community to showcase how dedicated we are to connecting and supporting those affected.”
Some of the departments CSLCS collaborated with to plan the walk include the Athletics Department, which has over 70 Men’s Lacrosse players participating, as well as members of the Stony Brook dance and swimming teams and student groups like Women in Healthcare (WIHC).
Before the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, members of WIHC created several posters for the event. According to Aima Chaudhry, the president of Women in Healthcare and a senior majoring in health science and psychology, the club hosted an event where those who came not only designed posters but also learned more about breast cancer and the importance of regular screening and early detection.
“[Hosting that event] was a way for students to get creative while learning about these important health issues. We are so grateful to contribute to this event and it was amazing to see everyone come together in support of such an important cause,” Chaudhry said.
Some sayings on the signs were “Strength, Hope, and Love” and “We stand together against breast cancer.”
“I think it’s super important for us to get the message out because it’s a very common disease for both women and men to be aware of,” Angelica Zeideia, a junior majoring in political science, said. “It’s been amazing and really wholesome to see everyone come together to get more educated on important issues like this.”
The walk concluded at the SAC after a 1.8-mile route.
At the end of the walk, Moeller reminded everyone of the purpose of the event.
“By walking together we intend to inspire ‘courage, hope, and strength,’ the title of our walk, and to remind everyone the significance of ongoing research and education in the fight against breast cancer,” she said.