On Thursday afternoon, Georgia Southern University hosted the Susan G. Komen for the Cure's community educational outreach tour called "Komen on the Go." Parked near the Russell Union Rotunda, the tour-bus is a traveling display that distributes information about breast cancer prevention to all generations of women.
Nick Blake, one of the Komen team members from Minneapolis, said the tour is in the second half of its five-month trip to university campuses.
"We hope to end some of the myths and falsehoods regarding breast cancer," said Blake. "We try to empower people to be aware of their breast health."
The traveling pink trailer converts into an interactive learning center complete with computer kiosks, educational materials, breast self-examination guides, information on how to volunteer locally, registration cards for the Komen Race for the Cure, tips on supporting loved one with breast cancer and an eight-foot graffiti wall for students to share their personal memories.
Susan G. Komen passed away from breast cancer in 1982. Before she died, her sister, Nancy G. Brinker, promised her dying sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. Today, Komen is the large grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists. To date, it has donated nearly $1 billion to fulfill the sister's promise, making it the largest source of non-profit funds dedicated to fighting breast cancer in the world.
Mindy Marburger, another team member from California, said she had friends who participated in the program before her, who turned her onto the program. She said the tour targets college students.
"Specifically, this tour is focused on college campuses," said Marburger. "Early detection is the key, so it's really important for us to get women at this age."
Kim Kirchoff, from Chicago, had a more personal reason for joining the tour.
"Well, my cousin's wife is a two-time cancer survivor so it was important for me to make a difference." said Kirchoff. "It's very important to do your self exam - it could save your life."
Megan Eustice is the Vice President for Zeta Tau Alpha sorority at Georgia Southern University. She said breast cancer awareness and education is the national focus for the sororitiy's philanthropy.
"October is breast cancer awareness month," said Eustice. "We will be sponsoring a number events during that month and throughout the year."
To kick off the month, the Zeta's are sponsoring a Think Pink Day on October 4th. They are asking all GSU students and staff to wear pink in order to raise awareness. They will also have a Think Pink, Drink Pink lemonade stand, with the proceeds going to support awareness and education.
Other items during the month include the Race for the Cure in Macon, GA on October 20th and the "Eat a Breast, Save a Chest" chicken dinner - held October 11th at the Recreational Activities Center. Tickets for the dinner are $5 and will be on sale at the Rotunda from October 1st though the 9th.
Nick Blake, one of the Komen team members from Minneapolis, said the tour is in the second half of its five-month trip to university campuses.
"We hope to end some of the myths and falsehoods regarding breast cancer," said Blake. "We try to empower people to be aware of their breast health."
The traveling pink trailer converts into an interactive learning center complete with computer kiosks, educational materials, breast self-examination guides, information on how to volunteer locally, registration cards for the Komen Race for the Cure, tips on supporting loved one with breast cancer and an eight-foot graffiti wall for students to share their personal memories.
Susan G. Komen passed away from breast cancer in 1982. Before she died, her sister, Nancy G. Brinker, promised her dying sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. Today, Komen is the large grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists. To date, it has donated nearly $1 billion to fulfill the sister's promise, making it the largest source of non-profit funds dedicated to fighting breast cancer in the world.
Mindy Marburger, another team member from California, said she had friends who participated in the program before her, who turned her onto the program. She said the tour targets college students.
"Specifically, this tour is focused on college campuses," said Marburger. "Early detection is the key, so it's really important for us to get women at this age."
Kim Kirchoff, from Chicago, had a more personal reason for joining the tour.
"Well, my cousin's wife is a two-time cancer survivor so it was important for me to make a difference." said Kirchoff. "It's very important to do your self exam - it could save your life."
Megan Eustice is the Vice President for Zeta Tau Alpha sorority at Georgia Southern University. She said breast cancer awareness and education is the national focus for the sororitiy's philanthropy.
"October is breast cancer awareness month," said Eustice. "We will be sponsoring a number events during that month and throughout the year."
To kick off the month, the Zeta's are sponsoring a Think Pink Day on October 4th. They are asking all GSU students and staff to wear pink in order to raise awareness. They will also have a Think Pink, Drink Pink lemonade stand, with the proceeds going to support awareness and education.
Other items during the month include the Race for the Cure in Macon, GA on October 20th and the "Eat a Breast, Save a Chest" chicken dinner - held October 11th at the Recreational Activities Center. Tickets for the dinner are $5 and will be on sale at the Rotunda from October 1st though the 9th.