On October 20, the Ming Chuan University Alumni Association of the East Coast hosted a “Pink October Breast Cancer Awareness” walk in Central Park, Manhattan. This event aimed to honor friends and loved ones lost to breast cancer while uplifting breast cancer survivors. This year, the alumni association became a member of the American Cancer Society, marking its first breast cancer awareness event in a decade, with over 20 alumni and their families participating.
Penny Peng, president of the Ming Chuan University East Coast Alumni Association, shared her thoughts on the importance of the event. “Breast cancer poses a significant threat to women’s health, and many among our alumni and their families have been affected. I hope this event raises awareness about breast cancer prevention,” she stated. Prior to the walk, the association also organized a fundraising campaign, raising a total of $1,200, which will be donated entirely to the American Cancer Society. “I’m pleased to see a better response than I expected,” she added. The route for the walk took participants around Central Park, and the sunny weather set a joyful mood as alumni enjoyed laughter and camaraderie.
Among the participants were several breast cancer survivors, including 79-year-old Ms. Jiang, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years ago. After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, her cheerful disposition has allowed her to maintain a positive state of mind throughout her journey.
Ms. Jiang expressed her desire to encourage others to be vigilant about breast cancer prevention. “Breast cancer can often develop without noticeable symptoms, so regular check-ups are essential,” she emphasized. She recounted her own experience of being diagnosed only after detecting a lump in her armpit, which led to confirmation through two imaging tests. “If something seems off, do not ignore it,” she cautioned. Ms. Jiang believes that maintaining a good mindset is crucial for recovery. “When I was first told I had breast cancer, I was stunned. I asked my doctor what to do, and he simply said: ‘Keep moving forward.'”
The National Breast Cancer Foundation projects that in 2024, more than 360,000 individuals will be diagnosed with breast cancer. However, if detected in the earliest stages, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is as high as 99%. Readers can learn effective self-examination methods to prevent breast cancer at https://shorturl.at/Im1bp.
