October is breast cancer awareness month, and the Johnson Cancer Research Center is continuing to raise awareness with Fighting For a Cure Day and the Pink Power Luncheon.
Marcia Locke, Johnson Research Center Communications and Outreach Coordinator, tells KMAN that the Research Center does research that is relevant to all types of cancer, but says they take this time to tell their story.
“Let people know that even though we don’t do treatment we’re doing all kinds of exciting cancer research at K-State in about 100 laboratories and 20 departments of the university. This is the kind of research that leads to the treatments and cures that helps the many of us and our loved ones,” says Locke.
The first event of the weekend is the Pink Power Luncheon on Friday. Due to the coronavirus, this years event will be held via Zoom from noon to one on Friday. Locke, says that even though the event will be slightly different this year, they are still very excited, especially for their keynote speaker, Liz Benditt.
“Liz Benditt is a four-time cancer survivor from Leawood. She is going to talk about her experience and her presentation is called “The Finish Line is the Starting Line,” says Locke.
Friday’s Keynote Speaker- Liz Benditt
Locke says that there will be other speakers as well discussing local resources for women. She adds that the event is free this year, but says registration is required for the Zoom link.
Saturday is another big event for the Johnson Cancer Research Center. Each October the Research Center plans a home gameday where K-State fans unite in the fight against cancer by wearing their Fighting For A Cure shirts. Locke says this Saturday is the day. She says you can purchase your shirt now at the 1419 Mercantile Shop or online. She mentions one way they like to raise awareness for the big day.
“Share pictures of people wearing the shirt, it’s awesome if they are local celebrities and stuff, you know, even just survivors and friends of the center, or just K-State lovers who want to support this cause. They can post pictures of themselves in the shirt and use the hashtag #HelpKStateFightCancer,” she says.
Locke talks about the importance of Fighting For a Cure Day and the importance of these shirts.
“These shirts have raised, probably more than $50,000 over the years for K-State cancer research. So all these different things are helping, and raising awareness is helping sell more shirts and the shirts are helping us give more money to the faculty and students doing research,” says Locke.
Bill Snyder with the 2020 Fighting For a Cure shirt
Locke adds that there are short-sleeve t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts, and sweatshirts for purchase this year. To find out more about both events you can visit cancer.ksu.edu.
