Delta Sigma Theta Sorority partnered with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to educate the student body, both females and males, on the importance of early cancer detection.

Marc Calhoun, a sophomore biology major and member of Alpha Phi Alpha, organized the event with Da’Jasia McClue, a junior kinesiology major and member of Delta Sigma Theta.

Both Calhoun and McClue wished to stress the importance of breast cancer awareness, and hoped that the event would encourage students to keep up with examinations.

“Everybody knows about breast cancer, but not much is done about it,” said Calhoun. “We tried to do everything we could to draw people in to hear the stories of the guests and inform the student body instead of just talking about it.

Calhoun wants people to start moving and taking action. He hopes to hold the forum annually as well as establish many more events focusing on breast cancer awareness.

McClue, who was personally affected by breast cancer, hopes that all attendees will come away from the forum informed.

“I hope that students know that there is a cure for everything, and we can find it. I hope that they listened and realized that someone else’s story can impact you,” McClue said.

Renee Howard, an oncologist nurse and the first guest speaker, stressed that early detection can save lives. According to Howard, more young women are falling to breast cancer, as well as young men.

“Breast cancer is curable if you catch it early,” Howard said.

Annie Ruth Staten, second guest speaker and breast cancer survivor, believes that breast cancer is a disease that can be overcome with the right attitude.

After sharing the story of her survival, Staten encouraged students to find out their family history and be the informant of their family.

“Be the messenger in your family…find out your history. How can a doctor help you if you cannot tell him anything?” Staten said.

Staten told students that it was their job to perform monthly exams and to know their body better than anyone else.

“Breast cancer does not discriminate. There is life after breast cancer, but it is up to you,” Staten said.

Nicholas Alford, a senior health studies major, shared the story of his mother’s fight against breast cancer. Though it took a large emotional toll on their family, Alford’s mother made it through with the help of various treatments.

“We couldn’t let her see us stressed out,” said Alford. “You can’t let them see you cry, because they are trying to be strong for you. There are many nights that I went in my room and cried, my brother as well, but she never saw us cry.”