UIndy students raise money to support breast cancer awareness
On behalf of supporting breast cancer awareness, the University of Indianapolis held Pink Week from Oct. 11-15. Pink Week raised $3,622. The proceeds of were donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Many organizations on the UIndy campus participated in the fundraising this year. Students were able to purchase items or participate in events as a way to bring awareness to breast cancer.
“This year was a record for how many fundraising activities we had for Susan G. Komen,” said junior Indianapolis Student Government Vice President and Pink Week Chair Hillary Engelman.
To kick off the week, penny wars began in the dorms. Indianapolis Student Government, Campus Program Board and Residence Hall Association sponsored a shirt and wristband sale that was held at lunch and dinner in the Schwitzer Atrium. Students, faculty and staff could purchase a black hope shirt for $5 or a pink ribbon cut out for $1.
The Student Nurse Association sponsored a bake sale every day of the week during lunch when students could purchase cupcakes with pink icing. The CaLub (a biology club) sponsored a bra auction and the Psychology club sponsored a tote sale.
On Tuesday, Adrienne Harlow, breast cancer survivor from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, spoke to students about her experience of overcoming breast cancer at the age of 19. The crowd acquired information to keep themselves informed about breast cancer, such as screening, overcoming the disease and ways to get help if needed.
Students also participated in Pink Week with Pie Your Professor, sponsored by WICR in the dining hall during dinner, and a breast cancer walk on the UIndy track on Wednesday.
The United Methodist Student Association sponsored Pink Hair Day on Thursday, when students could dye their hair pink. IGNITE sponsored a benefit concert on Smith Mall from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
RHA sponsored Pink Day on the last day of the week. As a way to end Pink Week on Friday, students could wear their best pink attire to show support for breast cancer awareness.
“It was a very busy week, but I am pleased with the turnout,” Engelman said. “One thing people mentioned was the focus on one cancer. So we are brainstorming on how to incorporate other cancer awareness.”
The overall fundraising of Pink Week for Susan G. Komen was $3,622. The amount is about the same as it was last year. Student Activities Coordinator and Advisor for Pink Week Stephanie Barry said she was pleased with the outcome.
“Pink Week has continued to grow throughout the years. The RSOs have been eager to participate and create new fundraising and education efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer and the Susan G. Komen Foundation,” Barry said. “I know that Pink Week will remain a UIndy tradition because of all the support students, faculty and staff have shown for the week.”
Barry said she was pleased with the amount of money raised this year simply because any amount of fundraising for breast cancer awareness helps.
The planning for next year’s Pink Week is already in progress.
