According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.2 million people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year worldwide.

This is just one reason why organizers of the 11th Annual Syracuse Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk are encouraging Syracuse University and State University of New York Environmental School of Forestry students to get involved.

‘I think breast cancer is a really important issue for a lot of students because many students have had it affect their family and friends,’ said Laura DiCarlo, an SU Housing and Meal Plans Office employee and college recruiter for the walk.

DiCarlo said the walk is personally important to her because her boyfriend lost his mother to breast cancer three years ago.

The three-mile walk is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. in Clinton Square. Registration is from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. People can register for the event ahead of time or simply show up the morning of the walk, DiCarlo said.

It is free to participate in the walk, but fundraising is strongly encouraged, DiCarlo said. Last year’s walk raised more than $300,000.

Individuals or teams can take part in the walk, and there is no restriction on team size, DiCarlo said. One team last year consisted of 500 people.

Almost 200 SU students participated in the walk last year, DiCarlo said. She said she hopes to have 300 or more SU students take place in the event.

The walk is a great way for students to get involved in the outside community and help a worthy cause, DiCarlo said.

‘It shows we care more about Syracuse than just going to SU,’ she said.

The money raised from the walk goes toward breast cancer research, education, advocacy and patient and family services, said Amy Norpell, the director of media relations for the American Cancer Society.

‘Patient and family services are one of the aspects people don’t realize we offer to patients,’ said Norpell.

One of the most popular patient services is the ‘Look good, Feel good’ program, which helps women with breast cancer deal with their changing appearances, Norpell said. The program uses specially trained local cosmetologists who teach the women how to manage side effects of breast cancer, such as dry skin and hair loss.

Along with raising money, the walk also aims to raise awareness about the disease and screening guidelines that women should follow, Norpell said.

‘Breast Cancer is a disease everyone should be aware of,’ said Norpell. ‘We are hoping a lot of students will want to get involved.’

The walk will kick off a month-long breast cancer awareness campaign on the SU Campus, co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the coed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, said Alicia Kinder, director of special events for the American Cancer Society.

‘This is the first time we will use the event to kick off a whole month of activities,’ Norpell said.

Published on August 28, 2006 at 12:00 pm