By Valerie Victor
York College, an educational institution in Jamaica, is sponsoring the college’s Breast Cancer team.
The Women’s Center on campus has teamed up with the American Cancer Society by joining the “Making strides Against Breast Cancer” event. The team will consist of both students and faculty who will come together and walk in Central Park Sunday. The school’s objective is to raise awareness among students while raising money for breast cancer research.
Since 2012, the Women’s Center at York college has organized the breast cancer event.
The manager of the Women’s Center, Ebonie Jackson, said last week, “This year our team goal is to raise $2,500. So far we haven’t reached the goal yet, and the numbers are low, but there’s still time for people to join and contribute.”
The college had raised 10.6 percent — $265 — toward the team goal as of Friday afternoon. The American Cancer Society has raised a total of $1.43 million for breast cancer research, including the college’s contribution.
The York College team is one out of 2,127 total teams from across the country that have joined together with the American Cancer Society. According to Jackson, approximately 45 people have signed up online and on campus to join the York College team Sunday. Altogether 14,343 participants will take part in the walk.
“It’s been great putting it together. A lot of students show interest and many people can relate to the cause,” said Jackson. “Every year it gets bigger and bigger. There are so many students, and it’s team-oriented. I look forward to a lot of participants and all the great conversations.”
This year the college has received a lot of support from within its ranks, especially from the cheerleaders and honor society, Chi Alpha Epsilon. Because the York student body is composed of about 70 percent women, the Women’s Center is dedicated to increasing awareness and creating support groups for students. Jackson is focused on putting together a big team this year.
In order to join the York College team or donate funds for breast cancer research, visit the Women’s Center at the York College Campus in Room 3C01. Participants outside of the college body may sign up or donate online at www.main.acsev
