Many events and fundraisers have been going on in our area throughout the month of October to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer.

One event that occurred in our area was the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. It was held on Sat, Oct. 1, and started at theHenryStudentCenter. Registration began at7 a.m.and the walk began at8 a.m.This was the first time this walk was held inLuzerneCounty.

Bethany Sharpless, junior P1 pharmacy major, was among those involved with this event.

“I participated in the walk as a volunteer along with some other Wilkes students. The walk was a three-mile loop aroundWilkes-Barre. Many students either volunteered or participated in the event,” Sharpless said.

Sheena Patel, senior P2 pharmacy student, participated in the walk for a good reason.

“I attended the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk because breast cancer is very prevalent in my family.  Since this event dealt with Breast Cancer, I wanted to help out in any way I could“, Patel said.

Despite the long walk, Patel said she had a lot of fun because she met many survivors and heard their incredible stories.

“It is very moving to see how these women are able to pull themselves together and battle the cancer. Their strength is amazing,” she said.

Students also showed their support of breast cancer by having a pink hair dying event arranged by the second floor ofUniversityTowers.

Junior P1 pharmacy major Samantha Bickert, was in charge of the hair dying.

“We dyed a piece of our hair pink to raise awareness for breast cancer and discussed the importance of raising awareness and checking for breast cancer.” Bickert said.

One of those willing to dye a piece of their hair was sophomore elementary education major Kelly Lashock.

“I decided to dye a strip of my hair pink because it is important for people to be aware of breast cancer and the negative effects it can have”, Lashock said

Lashock said that some patients may lose all their hair with breast cancer.

“If I could dye one strip of my hair pink to have someone notice and ask about it, I could make a difference in someone’s life”, she said.