Ohio is ranked fourth-highest in the nation for deaths resulting from breast cancer, according to Komen Columbus, an affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Today, volunteers from Komen Columbus, along with Ohio State’s Public Relations Student Society of America student-run public relations firm, The PRactice, will bring this awareness to campus by hosting a “Pink it Up” day.
From noon to 6 p.m., volunteers will be available in the lobby of the Ohio Union to register students for the May 15 Komen Columbus 5K Race for the Cure.
Students who register for the race will receive a pink ribbon that provides drink specials at McFadden’s and Little Bar. Students who do not register for the race but show up to the Race for the Cure booth today wearing pink can buy a ribbon for 50 cents. Students who do not sign up for the race or wear pink can purchase a ribbon for $1.
Students will find deals at McFadden’s from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday for happy hour and at Little Bar on Saturday for dollar-off all drinks, excluding specials.
“One in eight women will be touched by breast cancer in her lifetime,” said Hana Bieliauskas, a marketing committee member for Komen Columbus. “This is a disease that affects all of us, and anyone can get involved and join the fight against breast cancer.”
Komen Columbus aims to fight breast cancer by empowering people and ensuring quality care for all. Up to 75 percent of Komen Columbus’ net income goes toward funding grants to local hospitals and community organizations that provide breast-health education, screening and treatment programs, said Becca Thomas, the communications manager for Komen Columbus.
The Columbus Komen Race for the Cure has been around for 18 years, and last year there were 47,000 participants, Thomas said.
This year, the goal is 50,000 participants.
Chris Spielman, former OSU football player and husband of Stefanie Spielman, a breast-cancer advocate who lost her battle to the disease in November, will speak after the May 15 race. There will also be a survivor ceremony and live music.
“The race is a time to celebrate survivors and honor those who are no longer with us,” Thomas said.
The PRactice helped Komen Columbus this year by making students more aware of the organization and the Race for the Cure.
“I believe in the cause and what the Komen Columbus does as a whole,” said Jennifer Cartmille, a third-year in strategic communications and the CEO of The PRactice. “We hope students will come out to get the great bar deals and support a wonderful cause. Who doesn’t love drink specials?”
Registration for the walk is $30 and BuckIDs are accepted.
Registrants will receive a Race for the Cure T-shirt and packet, including special coupons and the pink ribbon for drink specials.
