The first annual Think Pink breast cancer awareness exhibition took place at the Plymouth State University Physical Education Center and Field House on Sat., Feb, 2, 2013. Upon arriving at the field house one discovered multiple stations with information regarding breast cancer, and lots of activities to take part in to educate one’s self on the topic, and to raise awareness. Both PSU women and men had basketball games following the event to raise awareness and support the cause.
“One in eight women will have breast cancer in their lifetime,” said Dr. Julie Bernier, Plymouth State University’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, breast cancer is “by far the most commonly diagnosed cancer,” among women in the United States.
Cancer is a disease, which is caused by the uncontrolled replication and division of abnormal cells in the body. More often than not, cancer cells eventually form a mass known as a tumor. The region where the tumor originates is how the name of the cancer is determined. Breast cancer, for instance, is generated in breast tissue. The prevalence of this disease sparked the flame in the creation of the aforementioned breast cancer exhibition here at Plymouth State.
“It all began with an idea,” said Morgan O’Connell, a Plymouth State graduate who came up with the concept of a breast cancer awareness exhibition in 2012 as a capstone project for her master’s degree. Soon, a simple project became a huge community event. O’Connell gained support from PSU’s Department of Athletics, Center for Active Living & Healthy Communities, the Department of Health and Human Performance, as well as the many eager students, faculty and staff – who together, set the groundwork for what I would call a successful event.
Over twenty tables were arranged in the shape of a ribbon inside of the Field House. Each table had it’s own representative(s), eager to inform each passerby of products, therapies, and outreach programs to assist those affected by breast cancer.
“Its important to be aware of breast cancer, it affects the lives of many students and faculty members on campus believe it or not. You never really know who has been affected until you go to these types of events, it is a big eye opener for some,” said sophomore Katlyn Hall.
Both the Elliot and Speare Memorial Hospital, Casting for Recovery, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Yin-Yang Acupuncture clinic, JUST Swiss Herbal Care, and PSU’s own department of athletics, were just a few of the many booths offering services at the first annual Think Pink Expo.
There was little information provided regarding the typical treatments for breast cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiation. When asked, Dr. Marjorie King, both a breast cancer survivor and the director of athletic training graduate education at Plymouth State University, why this was so, she replied, “Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, create a battleground for ones body. A healthy mind and spirit do not get as much attention as they should. Today, at the Think Pink Expo, you’ll find information on natural products such as seaweed, and spiritual activities such as reiki, that promote an equal and less invasive way to go about healing.”
Dr. Marjorie additionally stated that she is not discrediting Western Medicine, but rather, exposing the public to a more organic approach. Or what she likes to call, “complementary medicine.”
Knowledge is contagious, and if we share it while keeping an open mind, we will be surprised at what innovations – be it scientific, spiritual, or purely for the sake of enjoyment- will arise.