Journals

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

October 26, 2012   

Back in January of last year, my friend Kelly Jenkins and I decided to start a club for people interested in going into health-related professions.  Eventually, we created the Pre-Professional Health Careers Club.  Through this organization, we're planning volunteer events and lectures for people interested in health careers.  We're really trying to make it all inclusive- you don’t have to be pre-whatever to join, but you can be interested in research or possibly going into pharmaceuticals, as examples.

The walk was the first major event our club participated in.  Kelly and I have been planning our involvement since August.  We got people to register for the walk, bought tee-shirts to represent Hamilton and figured out transportation to and from the event.  Most importantly, we raised over $1,500 to donate to the American Cancer Society.  We solicited money from friends and family and held a bake sale.  Organizing our club’s participation was a big undertaking, but it was definitely worth it! 

On Sunday, we arrived in Utica to a massive crowd of walkers.  Everyone was wearing pink and it was so nice to see people coming out to support friends and family members affected by breast cancer.  Before the walk started, there was live entertainment, hot chocolate, and inspirational stories told by survivors.  It was so amazing to listen to these people and the struggles that they’ve been through and how they’ve overcome them.  In total, the walk was 2.5 miles throughout Utica.  It took us about an hour to complete, giving our club members plenty of time to talk and bond.  It’s been really amazing to see this group of people get to know each other.  When this year started off, we were virtually strangers, even on this small campus.  Now, we’ve grown to be friends and help support each other through our endeavors in science classes and health-related fields. 

All in all, the experience was very moving.  It meant a lot to be able to say that I started something, helped plan a major event, and have seen it come to fruition.  I’d especially like to give a shout-out to Kelly for everything that she did and is still doing!  She’s the best person I could have started this club with!  Love you girl!