October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and helps raise awareness about the importance of finding breast cancer early. LMU joined the fight against breast cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by hosting FitWell‘s 13th Annual Think Pink Fun Run on Saturday, October 19, on LMU’s campus to support and raise money. Participants joined fellow Lions and community members in 2000s themed costumes to compete in a costume contest with prizes and a sweet stop by the cereal bar.
In total, this annual event raised over $3,500 in proceeds for the “American Cancer Society: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” organization. This national organization helps to find cures for breast cancer through research, provide free information and services for those fighting the disease, while also providing access to mammograms for women who need them.
This year’s event changed formats from a 5K race to a one-mile fun run to offer more opportunities for all ages and levels to get involved in the excitement. For Michelle Kiser, FitWell’s assistant director of campus recreation – fitness, the idea for a fun run style came from wanting to make the event more inclusive. “Our goal was to make people feel empowered to run one mile and didn’t want people to have a physical barrier to being able to participate in the fun,” said Kiser.
One of Kiser’s favorite memories of the event was watching a fellow LMU colleague and their team who were all dressed up to support their fellow family and friends who have been affected by breast cancer. “It was so great to see how they supported their community, and we could support them in return by providing a space for them to give back,” said Kiser. “The Think Pink Fun Run offers the opportunity to connect fitness with something that can help others by helping those involved Live a Life of Purpose.”