With the arrival of October, pink ribbons spread across ULM’s campus, uniting the community in solidarity with those touched by breast cancer. It is a collective promise to honor the lost, support the fighters and carry the enduring message of hope, strength, and courage forward.
However, pink ribbons were not the only method ULM used to raise awareness; RSOs and residence halls organized campaigns to educate campus about early detection. Those who engaged in the campaigns fostered not only camaraderie but learned the significance of self-examinations and early detection.
Last week, sophomore pre-nursing major and Ambitious Women Society (AWS) member Brooke West created an awareness trifold outside the HUB. She said the RSO’s goal was to spread love and care, as the issue affects not just individuals but entire families.
“We wanted to create something meaningful on campus where people could come together, share encouragement, and be reminded that they are not alone in what they’re facing,” West said. “The pink ribbon is a symbol of hope for those who are fighting or have fought breast cancer. It is a symbol of the fight itself.”
Students stopped by the trifold to share their stories by writing notes. They felt the struggles they had seen in someone they cherished, using their toes to turn a simple display into a heartfelt space of empathy and support.
Inspired by her grandmother’s journey with breast cancer, Ouachita Hall director Ashley Canfield led a separate initiative to promote awareness; Canfield and the RAs hosted an educational program in the hall lobby, teaching residents how to conduct self-examinations using breast models. Afterwards, students received informational pamphlets on rick factors and local resources such as screenings.
“Our message was simple but powerful: awareness and action can make a difference, and together we can create a community that supports one another through education and compassion,” Canfield said. “Awareness and education start with conversation. When students learn together, they carry that knowledge into their families and communities.”
From classroom discussions to residence hall activities, ULM students and faculty are uniting behind the pink ribbon, proving that awareness, compassion and education can start small but make a lasting impact.
