2008 Woodie Awards
Walking towards a cure
Amy Farnsworth
Issue date: 9/29/04 Section: News
This year, 150 women in Massachusetts will be diagnosed with breast cancer each week. Although advances have been made in researching the disease, many women and families continue to be affected by breast cancer.
In order to educate students as well as faculty members, the Suffolk community will participate in a variety of activities scheduled throughout October to promote National Breast Health Month.
Breast Health Month at Suffolk was organized by President David J. Sargent, Dean of Students Nancy C. Stoll, Director of Health Services Sharon Yardley and Communications and Journalism professor Norine Bacigalupo.
In the fall of 2002, Bacigalupo was diagnosed with breast cancer. She detected her breast cancer early and was able to begin treatments that would eventually lead her to recovery. Shortly after her treatments began a number of students began to confide in her for support. One day during a yoga lesson, her instructor told her "you will be able to turn your disability experience into a gift."
"Too many times people avoid going to the doctor because they are afraid they will be diagnosed with breast cancer. When I found out I had breast cancer, I got through it. I wouldn't want any woman to risk her life because of breast cancer," Bacigalupo said.
Bacigalupo knew she had to do something to promote cancer awareness, and as a breast cancer survivor she took the initiative to involve the entire Suffolk community in Breast Health Month.
Many academic and administrative departments helped to sponsor activities throughout Breast Health Month. This will be the third consecutive year that Suffolk University has participated in this event. The breast cancer walk will officially kick-off the month's activities. Walkers will meet at the Donahue lobby at 1 p.m. on Thurs. Sept. 30. The walk will be led by Sargent, Stoll and Yardley and will conclude at the State House at 1:15 p.m., where walkers will release 150 biodegradable pink balloons symbolizing the women that will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the first week of October. A reception will follow the walk at 1:45 p.m. in the Munce conference room on the first floor of the Archer Building.