In the month of October it is not unusual to see an abundance of pink ribbons, shirts and bracelets. These all symbolize support for Breast Cancer Research. Kean likes to consider itself as a family, and together on October 21 the Kean family participated in the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk in Newark, NJ. Downtown Renaissance Newark Military Park was the site of the walk where many Kean members including students, administrators, friends and families joined in honor of the month. This is the ninth Breast Cancer walk in Newark Kean has participated in.Click here to view this slideshow

Students were up early to get the morning started for the cause. They gathered at Wilkins Theater, where two buses awaited to take a bunch of Cougars to the walk. Students and staff were dressed in Kean apparel ready to show everyone Kean University has an immense amount of support for breast cancer research. Some went to show Kean does care, while others had family members or friends who have been afflicted with the disease. All of the proceeds made that day are going to the American Cancer Society to focus on prevention, research, and treatment.

There was a free complimentary breakfast, with bananas, granola bars and water, where walkers could store up on energy before starting. Newark was transformed as police blocked off streets and areas were set up for tables for registration. There was a sea of pink shirts as different teams showed their support for survivors and research through what they wore. Little kids, family and friends all gathered together in Downtown Newark in the noncompetitive walk. The national anthem was sung before the walk began.

Amongst the many people, it was not hard to recognize Kean as people wore Kean t-shirts and sweatshirts. Members of Kean's Greek life also came to the walk, such as Lambda Tau Omega, Nu Delta Pi, Iota Phi Theta, and Phi Beta Sigma. No matter what the attire, it was more important members of the Kean community showed their support.
At the finish line, there were people on the sidelines cheering those on, including members of Psi Sigma Phi Multicultural Fraternity, Inc. Luis Posada, junior Pre-Law major and a member of Psi Sigma Phi, says his fraternity goes every year. "We hand out water and really to help fight cancer in general. And it's beautiful to meet breast cancer survivors", he said of his involvement

Those who finished the walk had the option of supporting again by purchasing something at one of the tables. Bracelets, pins, and magnets were all available for walkers to buy to help fund breast cancer research. In the U.S breast cancer is the most common form of cancer. Early detection is the best chance of survival. All money donated goes towards providing effective treatment. It is something that can affect anyone, including our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and possibly even ourselves in the future. Supporting research makes us one step closer to finding effective treatments. For more information or to make a donation contact the American Cancer Society, but until then you can anticipate the Making the Strides walk next year!