With a look of sadness, Destiny Reynolds, a senior criminal justice major, carefully wrote her great-grandmother’s name on a pink balloon.

She examined the name on the balloon in silence before setting it free to float with the others that bared the name of a woman.

Other names that were written on balloons helped fill the sky with bright pink circles.

A grandmother named Jennette Walton and a cousin named Ciara Brown Hicks were just two of the many names written.

For those who attended the balloon release and bra drive, it wasn’t just names floating up to space, it was prayers being lifted and honor being bestowed on women who’ve battled breast cancer.

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. held the event Wednesday afternoon outside the Student Union.

Students received ribbons and bracelets, along with a presentation explaining the quick facts, signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

“Breast Cancer affects so many lives,” said Jazmine Walton, a senior biology major and president of AKA. “No woman is immune to breast cancer; it hurts more people than you will know.”

With breast cancer being a prominent trait in her family, Walton feels it is very important to get everyone aware of their risk factors.

Walton also encouraged women to schedule for breast examinations regularly, no matter the age. “You should always know what’s going on with your body,” Walton said.

One participant, Javier Bradford, didn’t know anyone personally battling the disease, but he proudly dyed his hair pink and sported pink clothing for the cause.

The sophomore psychology and biology major said breast cancer awareness events are a good cause to help find a cure.

“Allowing people to know more about this disease will help empower and motivate others, those who are affected and those who aren’t.” Bradford said.

By the end of the event, AKA was able to collect more than 20 bra donations for breast cancer awareness month.