Florida A&M University’s Student Government Association announced the Pink Tie Ball raised over $2,000 in donations. Deputy Surgeon General ReNeisha Lee said all proceeds will be donated to Shands Hospital, a teaching hospital for the University of Florida located in Gainesville.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), is an annual health campaign organized by breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.
The FAMU Student Government Association (SGA) has helped spread awareness for the cause by holding its annual Pink Tie Ball Nov. 28.
The event aims to raise funds to not only promote breast cancer awareness within the community, but to help support patients who suffer from the disease and their families as they go through difficult times.
SGA chief justice Brian Holloway said he has a personal connection to the event.
“My grandmother is a seven year survivor of breast cancer, so it was kind of urgent that I came here and showed my support for breast cancer (awareness),” Holloway said.
FAMU alumna Alicia Turner has also witnessed first-hand the toll the disease takes on breast cancer patients.
“Both of my grandmothers had breast cancer,” Turner said. “It’s nice knowing that people care about the cause and are raising money.”
Lee also announced that SGA will not be continuing their partnership with Relay For Life, the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Instead, they will hold a dance marathon to help raise awareness.
“Relay For Life is no longer here because no one had the passion to keep it going,” Lee said. “Honestly, I feel like this (dance marathon) is better than Relay For Life because all of the money raised there is going to Shands Hospital, and it’s not going anywhere else. Twenty percent isn’t going here or there.”
The marathon will be held during the fall 2017 semester. FAMU is the second HBCU to take part in the national event.
Those looking to get involved with the dance marathon can follow @famudancemarathon on Instagram for news and updates.