October is here, and Shoolini University is painting the town pink – as it’s Pinktober —Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Shoolini is taking an exciting and creative approach to raise awareness and support the fight against breast cancer. So, what’s happening on campus this Pink October? Let’s find out!
Breast Cancer Screening Test: A Lifesaver for All
Shoolini teamed up with YouWeCan, a voluntary organisation founded by cricketer Yuvraj Singh, for an essential initiative on the campus. The breast cancer awareness and screening test on 4th October educated and provided vital screenings to the women employees of the university and the community as a whole.
A total of 85 women, including faculty members, non-teaching staff, housekeeping personnel, and mothers of students, took part in this event. The YouWeCan Foundation brought a dedicated team of doctors and technicians to ensure the screenings were thorough and informative.
Faculty and parents paid a fee of Rs 300 for the screening, while support staff received these services for free.
The medical team from YouWeCan Foundation not only conducted screenings but also provided counselling to ease any concerns. Their support was crucial in making every woman feel comfortable during the screening process.
Dean Student Welfare Poonam Nanda, a cancer survivor who battled the disease twice, stressed the importance of early detection and awareness. She shared her personal experience, emphasising that early detection can save lives. Her message to every woman is clear – cancer is curable, but early detection is key.
‘Your Mother Matters’ Campaign: Spreading Awareness
Alongside the screenings, Shoolini University launched the ‘Your Mother Matters’ campaign. This month-long initiative is all about educating students on the importance of early detection of breast cancer. What’s unique is that dedicated student volunteers from Shoolini are the ones leading the charge. They’re on a mission to visit classrooms daily, delivering informative talks about Pink October and why it’s a game-changer in saving lives.
Fundraising Stalls: Fun with a Purpose
It’s not all serious business at Shoolini this October. Students are setting up stalls during the convocation (October 16), which is expected to be all fun and fundraising. The stalls will have food, games, accessories, and more. But here’s the twist: the funds raised aren’t limited to breast cancer; they extend to support individuals needing assistance for various medical conditions. It’s a fantastic way to make a positive impact and stand by cancer survivors, especially those who are underprivileged.
Eight Years of Impact: A Remarkable Journey
This year is extra special because it marks the eighth anniversary of this inspiring initiative at Shoolini University. What’s truly heartening is that today, most volunteers are male students. Dean of Student Welfare, Poonam Nanda, who herself is a cancer fighter, expressed her delight, stating, “At Shoolini, we’ve managed to create a profound impact among our students. Early detection saved my life, and this drives me to help every individual battling cancer. That’s why, at Shoolini, we train our students to carry this message beyond our campus to their families and friends.”
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Brief History
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a global health campaign celebrated every October. The mission? To raise awareness about breast cancer and raise funds to conduct research into the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of this deadly disease. The campaign’s roots trace back to 1985 when the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries joined forces to promote mammograms as a crucial tool in the fight against breast cancer. The involvement of former First Lady Betty Ford, a breast cancer survivor, added significant momentum to the cause.
The Iconic Pink Ribbon: A Symbol of Hope
When you think of breast cancer awareness, the iconic pink ribbon instantly comes to mind. In 1992, pink became the chosen colour to symbolise the fight against breast cancer. It all started with peach-coloured ribbons, but when Charlotte Haley, the creator of the peach ribbon, rejected commercialisation, pink took centrestage. Pink is now synonymous with breast cancer awareness and has garnered support from numerous organisations as a powerful symbol of hope in the battle against breast cancer.
Shoolini University: Sowing Seeds of Hope and Positivity
As October unfolds, Shoolini University’s commitment to Pink October shines bright. Through education, early detection, and heartfelt fundraising, they’re spreading awareness and sowing seeds of hope and positivity. This October, it’s not just leaves turning pink; it’s hearts too, at Shoolini University.
Vaishali Thakur