Every year during October, Halloween takes over college campuses, but something much more important also takes place during this spooky month, and West Virginia University has made sure to put a spotlight on it this year. With several different events happening throughout the month, WVU is making sure to make Breast Cancer Awareness Month a priority amongst all the other fall festivities happening. Here’s a quick breakdown of what is happening on campus to spread awareness!
1. WVU Cancer Institute Pink Party Â
Before the month even began, the WVU Cancer Institute hosted a “Pink Party” to spread awareness as well as fundraise for non-profits. Hosting roughly 230 guests, including President Michael T. Benson, WVU Baseball Head Coach Steve Sabins, WVU Women’s Basketball Hayhurst Family Head Coach Mark Kellogg and WVU Rifle Head Coach Jon Hammond, the Pink Party was a huge success and raised more than 185,000$ for a program called Bonnie’s Bus. For those who don’t know, Bonnie’s Bus is WVU’s mobile mammogram program, which provides free screening and support for women all across West Virginia. While this event was held at the end of September, it was a great way for WVU to kick off its breast cancer awareness efforts for October.
2. Women’s Soccer Pink Match
WVU athletics has always been a loud advocate for breast cancer awareness. In particular, on October 9th, the Women’s soccer team held its annual pink-out match. The team played BYU and sported pink jerseys. At the game, fans were encouraged to participate with an all-pink dress code, a pink bracelet-making station, an “I Fight For” message board, a pink pom-pom giveaway, as well as a presentation from the WVU Cancer Center.Â
3. Breast Cancer Walk
To end off the month on October 31st, from 9- 11 a.m., WVU is hosting a free community event that takes place at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. The goal of the event is to celebrate breast cancer survivors as well as to recognize caregivers and supporters. In addition to raising awareness, this event also aims to provide helpful resources for people affected by breast cancer. Students and community members are welcome and encouraged to participate.
All in all, West Virginia University and WVU Cancer Institute are large supporters of the Breast Cancer awareness movement and show that support through their hosting of athletic and fundraising events as well as their community outreach events. While Halloween may be the more attention-grabbing event of the month for most college students, it’s important that schools like WVU encourage their students to get involved and support those who have suffered and survived breast cancer.Â