Above: Participants in the Sisterhood of the Bees cancer walk pose for a group photo. Photo courtesy of Austin Born.

SAU Nursing Senior Abby Messina has a personal passion to spread awareness about cancer. “My mom has cancer, and my dad passed away from liver cancer, so I have a lot of motivation to spread awareness. I’m also going to be an oncology nurse.”

Messina recently organized a campus Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, drawing together students  and local community members in a collective effort to support the fight against breast cancer. 

Photo courtesy of Austin Born.

The event, held on a bright and crisp morning on April 6th, not only aimed to raise awareness but also to honor those who have been affected by the disease. Messina’s own mother, Cherie Messina, was also present to share her cancer journey story. She says she has stage four cancer and probably has a little over a year. 

“My whole body is ravaged by cancer… What you can’t see is what cancer does the body. You can’t see the bruises that cover me from the neck down. You can’t see my chemo brain, which has had me to the point where basic grammar and spelling are a challenge for me.

“I can’t do basic things like put on jewelry or put in my contacts. Even writing and typing. You can’t see my constant back pain that causes me to wear a brace. You also don’t know how many pills I must take just to operate for the day.”

This event was organized by Abby Messina, who says  “it brings the community together and it helps show people that they are not alone.” 

Photo courtesy of Austin Born.

Throughout the walk, Abby emphasized on going through this together because this is a very difficult event in someone’s life and she knows that people like her mom need support. Abby mentioned last year they did the walk and that “it should be an every year thing as long as girls who take over club will run it.”

Throughout the event, several conversations emerged among participants, reflecting the personal connections many had to breast cancer. Stories were shared about family members,

friends, and loved ones who had battled the disease. These discussions highlighted the importance of continued research, awareness, and early detection.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Walk is a reminder of the power of community and collective action. While a single event cannot cure cancer, organizers say raising awareness and providing a platform for those affected is a vital step toward creating lasting change. 

The event not only demonstrated the university’s commitment to this important cause but also reflected the hope that one day, breast cancer may no longer pose a significant threat to individuals and families around the world.

Austin Born is a staff writer for The Buzz.