The month of October brings so much joy and excitement. Pumpkin spice lattes are back, the weather is starting to cool and even better, football season is in it’s prime.

But alongside the happiness comes a more serious concern, as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a month solely dedicated to research, awareness and fundraising, October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month acts as one of the biggest disease campaigns in the country and with about 1 of every 8 women getting breast cancer sometime during their life, it’s a cause worth fighting for. The opportunities to learn more about the cause and donate are abundant and with popular events happening right on campus there's no excuse to miss it.

One of the most popular events in Tallahassee for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is Zeta Tau Alpha’s Race to Live. This 5K takes place on FSU’s campus and is an opportunity for both students and members of the Tallahassee community alike to raise awareness and fundraise for the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation: Breast Cancer Education and Awareness. Not only do the proceeds from the event go directly to the cause, the event is a fun and interactive race that gathers several thousands participants every year. ZTA’s Jessica Howells, Race To Live Event Director, tells of last year’s astonishing numbers. “We had over 1,500 runners and raised over $50,000,” she says, and this year has even higher hopes. 

This year their annual race turns big 20 and the event is planned to be bigger than ever. With trophies for first, second and third place winners and raffle prizes such as a GoPro camera, Race To Live is much more than just a race. The event which gathers survivors and supporters of all kinds is an opportunity for everyone to participate, even if you aren’t a runner. The week leading up to the event (October 6th-12th) is Think Pink Week, a week full of events and fundraisers in anticipation of the race, which includes a spaghetti dinner at the ZTA house on the 7th. There’s also a free car wash at Capital City Hyundai on September 27th from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. where the sisters of ZTA will be collecting donations.

For the runners and walkers, Race To Live is on October 11th at 10 a.m. (with check-ins starting at 7:30 a.m.). It’s only $15 to register and that includes food, drink and a T-shirt. To register or donate visit: www.racetolive2014.wix.com/fsuzta.