Students host breast cancer awareness walk

Saturday’s walk started in the breezeway at Polkinghorne Village. Photo courtesy Karen Moses

As part of this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, students at Florida A&M University are taking the initiative to further the cause.

Yukwon Toney, a second-year journalism major at FAMU who is minoring in political science, put together an awareness walk from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday.

The event offered a station for face painting and snacks with refreshments. Tanya Tatum, director of Student Health Services at FAMU, served as a guest speaker and talked about the importance of regular self-exams for breast cancer. She also shared some statistics regarding breast cancer and those affected.

The walk went from Polkinghorne Village’s breezeway to the Eternal Flame in front of Lee Hall.

Toney said he was inspired to host the event and addressed what he hoped to gain from those in attendance.

“What inspired me to do this walk was my own personal research. After researching how breast cancer has impacted the African American community alone, I thought why not allow everyone to be more aware of this serious disease,” Toney said.

Toney said his aunt battled breast cancer, which was a part of his drive to share as much information as he could about this disease.

“From this event, I hope to gain even more knowledge for myself, make connections and leave knowing that everyone gained something from the event; from awareness to a new friend,” Toney said.

Cydni Dariso, a first-year pre-nursing major, attended the event and was grateful for the opportunity to participate and learn among her peers at FAMU.

“The walk was incredible and empowering in a sense,” Dariso said. “I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself and was able to impact others with the power of knowledge.”

Karen Moses, a second-year business major, was also able to join the walk to the Eternal Flame. She spoke about what went down and what she took away from the event.

“I completely stand by the message that Tanya Tatum gave. It’s so important to check for breast cancer since my family has been directly affected by the disease,” Moses said.

“One thing I did learn from coming to this event is that you have an idea and a plan, you should definitely go for it, because the FAMU-ly will always rally behind their own,” Moses added.