October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and DePaul organizations, including its sports teams, are working towards spreading awareness and raising money to help combat the disease.
Several DePaul sports teams such as soccer, basketball and softball will have at least one game throughout the year dedicated to promoting cancer awareness.
Last week, the DePaul women’s soccer team had a home game in which all players wore pink jerseys. A table was setup outside Wish Field selling items to promote breast cancer awareness.
In addition to the sports teams showing their support, there are other organizations working to spread the word about breast cancer.
Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) is an organization on campus that works exclusively with the American Cancer Society to promote awareness. They also do fundraising for certain events, give out information and talk about prevention or what to do if you are diagnosed with cancer.
Breast cancer hits close to home for one DePaul student and CAC member. Freshman Sarah Vallee lost her mother to the disease when she was a little kid.
“No one should have to lose their parent, especially to cancer,” she said.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, in the United States, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with one out of every eight women being diagnosed with the cancer sometime in their lifetime.
“Be pro-active. Do monthly screenings and check yourself,” said Catie Mandoza, CAC president.
While efforts are being made by DePaul organizations to spread awareness about breast cancer, some students believe DePaul is not doing enough.
“Not a lot of people are talking about it,” said Meg Harrington, junior. “I haven’t really seen much from a majority of the campus. It’s a huge issue for women. We should do something.”
Breast Cancer Awareness week starts Oct. 15. More fundraising events to promote awareness will happen on campus and in the community.
T-shirts, pink hair extensions, baked goods and other products will be sold in the Lincoln Park Student Center to help raise money for the cause.
Some members from CAC will also be volunteering at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event this Saturday. The event starts at 9 a.m. at Montrose Harbor.