Contact: Georgia Clarke
STARKVILLE, Miss.—In recognition of an illness that affects more than 200,000 American women each year, Mississippi State’s Department of Health Promotion and Wellness is hosting the second Pink Dawg Walk on Thursday [Oct. 8] as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
From 4-6 p.m., all are encouraged to dress in their most creative pink attire for the mile-long walk around the Chadwick Lake walking track.
In addition to the walk, educational stations will be available with information on breast health and cancer prevention. The first 350 people to complete the walk will receive a free t-shirt.
Pumpkin decorating, healthy fall treats and recipes and special appearances from MSU’s mascot Jak and the Chick-Fil-A cow will contribute to the fun.
“So many people are affected by breast cancer. Everyone knows at least one person who has been diagnosed with it. The survival rate continues to increase partly due to people being more aware and learning more about early detection. Events like this are designed to increase awareness but have a little fun while doing it,” said JuLeigh Baker, a health and wellness educator for University Health Services.
“This is a great event for the MSU family to come out to show support and create more awareness for breast cancer and its survivors,” she added.
In addition to MSU’s Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, sponsors of the event are Baptist Hospital Cancer Center, Gentiva Home Health and Hospice, Center for Breast Health and Imaging of Starkville, Aramark and the Columbus-based Sqwincher sports drink company.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.