By Jacquelyn Letizia Staff writer
According to Bright Pink, one of Zeta Tau Alpha’s philanthropy partners, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and one in 75 women will develop ovarian cancer. Two-thirds of the women diagnosed with these cancers will die from their respective disease.
“My sorority has more than eight girls, my family has more than eight women. Statistically speaking, myself or somebody that I am close too will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in my lifetime,” said sophomore Rebecca Wilson, Zeta Tau Alpha’s Think Pink chairperson.
“Knowing that so many people in our community struggle with breast cancer, it is important to reach out to find a cure and build a support system for those affected,” she added.
Throughout the week of Oct. 3, the sisters of Susquehanna’s chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha have been hosting Think Pink week to raise funds for breast cancer education and awareness.
“Think Pink provides a positive and constructive way to deal with such a momentous issue by compiling comprehensive risk evaluations, presenting national conferences and encouraging a dialogue about the health issues facing all of us today,” said junior Jenna Danyew, Zeta Tau Alpha’s director of philanthropy.
Throughout Think Pink week, Zeta Tau Alpha will continue to hold philanthropy events to benefit breast cancer education and awareness.
On Oct. 4, a representative from Bright Pink came to Susquehanna and spoke to the Greek community about early detection of breast and ovarian cancer and how to assess one’s risk of developing these diseases.
There was also a campus-wide card making session for survivors on Oct. 5 in Degenstein Campus Center. Students could stop by and write cards for cancer survivors.
The most well-known and final event of the week is the spaghetti dinner, which is Oct. 7. This is the fourth year that Zeta Tau Alpha is hosting a spaghetti dinner.
“The spaghetti dinner is an opportunity for the Zeta Tau Alpha chapter to positively interact with the larger Susquehanna and Selinsgrove community as we all work together to support organizations that are actively fighting breast cancer and supporting education and awareness,” Danyew said. “Sisters, community businesses and national chains have all partnered with [Zeta Tau Alpha] to create this dinner and present it to the community.”
Tickets for the spaghetti dinner are on sale at the table in the lower level of Degenstein Campus Center until Friday, Oct. 7. They are $6 at the table or $8 at the door. All proceeds go directly to supporting breast cancer education and awareness.
