For October, globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Student Government Association (SGA), Pre-Health, Psychology, and Feminist Clubs held a 5K Breast Cancer walk to raise funds and awareness for the deadly disease.
The event took place on Sunday, Oct. 15, at Parque Santander. The crowd of around 20 participants, many sporting pink clothing, spent about one and a half hours walking four laps around the park’s track.
Together, the four student organizations raised more than 1,000€, all of which was donated to GEICAM, the leading breast cancer research group in Spain. The organization’s work includes clinical studies and translational research to improve treatment of therapies for breast cancer, which is the most common among women globally.
Reagan Tran, vice president of SGA, helped coordinate the various student-led clubs, outlining the clubs’ intentions for spreading awareness across the campus community.
“We felt it was important to raise money for a woman-focused organization,” Tran said. “Last year, we raised money for a broader cancer organization.”
The successful fundraiser started with five days of tabling in San Ignacio Hall’s lobby. Passersby were encouraged to donate to the cause, with a minimum donation of 5€ required for those interested in joining the walk. All students, regardless of donation amount, were invited to take a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon from the table to show support.
Moreover, to educate students, the clubs handed out informational pamphlets detailing basic facts about breast cancer, including statistics, symptoms, and ways it can affect mental health, the last being a contribution included by the Psychology Club.
Club leaders also planned interactive activities, such as a “Myth or Fact?” trivia game by the Pre-Health Club, which challenged students to reasses common misconceptions about the disease. Most notably, the Pre-Health Club emphasized that men are 19% more likely than their female counterparts to die of the cancer, though it is usually looked at as a woman’s issue.
Additionally, the Feminist Club put together a bracelet-making awareness workshop, encouraging students to stop between their classes to make pink beaded bracelets, adorned with breast cancer ribbon charms. The activity attracted crowds of up to 10 people at a time, eager to wear the bracelets and show support for the cause. Meanwhile, club leaders engaged the students in conversation, allowing them to solicit donations while educating listeners about breast cancer.
Hannah Goodwin, president of the Feminist Club, said that this is the second year this event has taken place.
“We deal a lot with women-centered issues as the Feminist Club, and the 5K is a great way to diversify our interests while collaborating with the other clubs,” she said.
Many of the Feminist Club’s fundraisers benefit causes in third-world countries, such as period poverty and the plight of women in conflict zones.
Though largely focused on raising awareness, the walk also allowed students to build a community.
