Courage, Hope, and Strength: Stony Brook’s Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Unites the Community

The Stony Brook University Center for Service Learning and Community Servicehosted its third annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on October 9, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event, held in collaboration with the Stony Brook Cancer Centerand the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Care Center, brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members to raise awareness about breast cancer and show support for survivors and for those currently battling breast cancer.

Over 150 students, along with faculty, staff, and families, participated in the walk, creating a powerful display of unity and support. Many participants wore pink "Courage, Hope, Strength" shirts and held signs with positive and supportive messages. More than 50 student-athletes participated in the walk, with students from swimming and diving, football, track and field, tennis, lacrosse and cheerleading.

"The walk is about raising awareness and about educating students about breast cancer. One in eight women will be diagnosed in their lifetime, and this year, it's predicted over 300,000 women will be diagnosed and almost 3000 men," said Alissa Moeller, program outreach coordinator for the Center for Service Learning and Community Service. "We want to raise awareness about things like early detection and making informed healthcare decisions, but also show support for all who are impacted by breast cancer, whether friends or family to someone battling breast cancer, to show that we're thinking about them, and care for them as well."

The walk, which began at the Student Activities Center and looped around Circle Road, demonstrated the strength of the Stony Brook community in fighting for a cause that affects so many.

Aima Chaudhry, a senior majoring in health science and psychology, is an intern in the Center for Service Learning and Community Service and helped organize the event.

"I did a poster making session during a Women in Healthcare organizational meeting, and it was just great to see everyone come together to make posters with messages to carry during the walk. We also did a lesson about reducing the risks of breast cancer and the importance of screenings. It's great that so many community members are coming together to support this cause," said Chaudhry.

Founded to promote community participation and service-learning opportunities, the Center for Service Learning and Community Service continues to inspire students to make a positive impact both on and off campus.

- Beth Squire

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