October is known as the first official month where it feels like fall. The leaves are changing colors and all you see is pumpkin everything! It’s a time for tricks and treats and one of the most fun experiences in college. But through all that fun, most forget that October is also a month where the world raises awareness for Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness month means a lot to me since I lost my grandmother to it, and just last year my own mom was diagnosed. With the love and support of her family and friends, she came out a survivor and even stronger. So whenever I see St. John’s raising awareness, it brings a smile to my face and warmness in my heart. Here are a few things St. John’s does in the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness.
The women’s cross-country program hosted a fun mile walk/run at their XC Fall Festival Invitational at Cunningham Park in Queens. An hour before the Red Storm ran, the program hosted this walk/run for the family, friends, and alumni of the school. Breast cancer walks are very important during the month of October; two years ago I participated in my first one ever alongside my mother and whole family. Although I missed two, since I am here in New York. My goal is to get a whole group together and walk in one next year in honor of my grandmother and mom. Above is a photo of my family who just particpated in a walk last weekend.
Sport teams from all over are very familiar for paying tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness month, by wearing pink at their home games. At St. John’s, the volleyball team deck out in pink at one of their home games in October in order to show support. Another sports team that particpates in Breast Cancer Awareness month is women’s soccer. Their game against Creighton in the beginning of this month was their annual “Score for a Cure” game. It helps raise funds and awareness for cancer research. It is a fun way to get together and attend the game with family and friends wearing all pink! There is nothing like seeing women kick butt alongside wearing pink for a good cause.
If you ever walk down to the food court of DAC you’ll always see clubs selling goodies in order to raise money for certain awareness’s. In the month of October only, these clubs sell and send the proceeds to a breast cancer organization. Some of these goodies are all decked on in pink, so if your every thinking about getting food in DAC. Remember to bring a few bucks, because helping out for such an important cause feels really satisfying. Just as satisfying it is to eat the goodies.
St. John’s is big on decorations and right next to St. John’s Hall there is a pink ribbon cutout for the whole school to see. Resident assistants in the dorms are also known for decorating the hallways with a certain theme and raising awareness. On my 6th floor of Century the RA across the hall has decorated a big pink ribbon for girls to share stories on; along with facts about breast cancer next to it.