Several UH organizations have been promoting this year’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by raising money and awareness for the disease.’
Over 150 students wore pink ribbons and sported pink nails when the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center held a ‘Paint Your Nails Pink’ event and collected monetary donations for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, giving women a fun way to show their support for breast cancer awareness.’
‘We are excited that ‘Paint Your Nails Pink’ has been such an overwhelming success this year,’ outreach counselor for wellness Gaylyn Maurer said.’
‘Paint Your Nails Pink’ raised over $200 at the University Center, Calhoun Lofts, Cougar Place and several other locations on campus.’
Komen On The Go, a pink vehicle that travels around the country providing facts about breast cancer, toured the UH campus Oct. 15.
Approximately 900 students watched inspirational videos and learned how to do a breast self-exam while on the Komen On The Go tour bus, and 150 students completed interactive computer programs promoting breast health.
The UH Women’s Resource Center provided in-depth and hands-on activities targeted to young women. Students felt models that mimic how tumors feel, and watched a presentation provided by the UH Health Center.’
‘Women need to be aware of their health history, and starting at age 20, should get breast exams every three years, and at (age) 40, every year,’ Beverly McPhail, director of the UH Women’s Resource Center, said.’
According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women aside from skin cancer, and can occur in both men and women. In 2009, an estimated 40,170 are expected to die from the disease.’
In addition to student organizations, the Athletic Department participated in the breast cancer awareness events with charity games.
The women’s volleyball team held its second annual ‘Dig Pink’ game, allowing participants to pledge money for each dig in the game.
In March, the softball team will hold its fourth annual ‘Striking Out Breast Cancer’ game, a double-header where players wear pink jerseys and helmets to show support for breast cancer awareness.
‘Our girls take a lot of pride in this. In three years, we have raised over $25,000 for the foundation,’ Associate Athletic Director Chris Burkhalter said.’
The softball team received the 2009 Impact Award for community service from the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure for its overall positive impact in the community to enhance breast health awareness.
Burkhalter emphasized the importance to raise awareness of the disease.’
‘Breast cancer has affected our wives, mothers and sisters,’ Burkhalter said. ‘The ‘Striking Out’ game is a great cause and has empowered us to help.”
