The University of Kentucky’s College of Dentistry class of 2029 invited students to the “Pink Walk” to raise awareness for breast cancer on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
“Pink Walk” began at the William T. Young Library with pizza, chips and music. Then, participants walked to the Gatton Student Center where speakers talked about their experiences with breast cancer.
The speakers included a breast cancer survivor and a doctor who currently researches the issue at UK. Donté Reed, a first-year dental student, helped organize the “Pink Walk.” Reed said he was eager to implement the “Pink Walk” at UK because he believed that students would resonate with it.
“I think this is a great event because we actually did a poll whenever we asked for sign ups, and about 72% of all participants was impacted by breast cancer in some way,” Reed said “I think it’s important to let them know that we do stand with them and that we support them, and events like these are just of the utmost importance.”
Reed said that his goal with the event is for people to understand that cancer is an issue that is more widespread than people realize.
“I want them to take away that even if it doesn’t impact you, 30% of the participants are not impacted by breast cancer, but they’re still coming out here, still spreading the word and showing that love and community,” Reed said. “And I want everybody to take away from this that, you know, the community can do really great things when you come together on a common goal.”
Lisa Cupp, who is a retired preschool teacher aide, was a speaker at the event. Cupp talked about her experience as a breast cancer survivor.
Cupp said that the turnout of the event surprised her as she did not expect many students to be interested in learning about breast cancer.
“Breast cancer doesn’t just affect the person that has it. It affects people they love also,” Cupp said. “Hopefully, as we learn more, it will help more.”
Leslie Hammer, the senior philanthropy director at the UK Markey Cancer Center, was a speaker at the event.
Hammer said that while much research is available regarding breast cancer, she feels it’s also important to highlight the human aspect of the issue.
“I think that the importance of recognizing the human side of breast cancer is to acknowledge that it impacts everyone,” Hammer said. “There’s not very many out there that can say they’ve not had someone in their family or close relationships with friends or co-workers that haven’t been diagnosed with breast cancer.”
Hammer said she was interested in helping people learn more about what cancer is and how to combat it.
“The key message this evening is that you know cancer can be preventable with proper screenings, lifestyle and just being educated on taking care of yourself,” Hammer said.