For many people, October means apple picking, pumpkin donuts, new fun seasonal drinks at Starbucks, hockey coming back on and chillier weather. However, for me, it is something extremely different. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, the month to wear and think pink. Too many people in our world are touched by cancer. Learning about cancer through my family members, specifically my grandma and Aunt Dawn, who were affected by breast cancer, made me want to get more involved.
I participated in the "Making Strides for West Port" Breast Cancer walk on October 16. The walk was managed by the American Cancer Society, this year being the 23rd year that the event has occurred annually. The Strides Walk was also held in multiple other locations. I was fortunate enough to walk with Fairfield's club called "Colleges Against Cancer." I enjoyed walking and talking with my friends, and overall soaking in the experience of doing something good for other people.
Over 7,000 people participated in the 5K walk and $430,000 was raised. It was amazing to see the different types of people within different age groups coming out to support the cause. Between family members, survivors, cheerleading, dance and gymnastic teams, businesses and more, everyone's big bright smiles made me even happier to be part of the event. I'd like to thank my friends and family who made donations toward my Strides.
Our College Against Cancer walk T-shirts are now being sold within our University for $20. I look forward to volunteering at multiple other events with my school in order to help raise money for cancer research in the future.
