Tuesday, October 15th, 2024
Categories
Featured News

Fearless: Breast-A-Ville Returns to MU! 

The 13th Breast-a-Ville will be on campus at the Student Memorial Center on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.     

Millersville students will be dancing in their best dress, fearless, at the 13th annual Breast-a-Ville. This year’s theme is The Awareness Era, inspired by Taylor Swift’s recent tour. To honor those with breast cancer and educate students on the importance of breast cancer awareness and prevention, the Breast Health Initiative will hold its 13th Breast-a-Ville on campus at the Student Memorial Center on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Millersville’s water fountains will be dyed pink on the morning of the event. Pink is the recognized symbol of breast cancer awareness.

“Almost everyone knows someone who has faced the disease or has faced the disease personally. We believe that with more education for young people of all genders, they will become aware of what causes can lead to breast cancer. Awareness of the factors involved in detecting breast cancer early can save many lives,” explains Dr. Dennis Denenberg, a former professor at Millersville University, regarding the importance of making breast health accessible to community members and students.

Pink graphic that has a pink ribbon, the M for Millersville and hands in the shape of a heart. Breast-a-Ville is a day full of breast health-related activities and educational panels led by local experts. Students are encouraged to have fun and enjoy themselves as they learn. Activities this year include learning how to perform self-exams to check for early signs of breast cancer, making Taylor Swift-inspired friendship bracelets, playing games like bra pong, eating pink-themed snacks and more!

“We knew from the very first Breast-a-Ville that in addition to an educational component, students also want to have fun! So, we created games as part of the event, and the ‘bra pong’ is probably the one most attendees want to play,” says Denenberg. “This year’s theme centers around Taylor Swift. Her favorite number is 13, and our campus coordinator is a Swiftie!” Additionally, Taylor Swift’s mother, Andrea Swift, is a two-time survivor of breast cancer.

The University Store participates by selling breast cancer awareness merchandise and donating a portion of the proceeds to the Breast Health Initiative at Millersville. The merchandise is available in the store and online at The University Store through the month of October.

The annual Breast-a-Ville began in 2011 and was made possible by Dennis Denenberg to honor his sister, Diana Denenberg Durand, who fought bravely against breast cancer for 18 years. Dennis Denenberg founded the Breast Health Initiative at Millersville. “My dear sister Diana (Millersville State College, Class of 1967) faced each new phase of the disease with amazing courage and was a model patient to her medical team. It has been a goal of mine to help others become knowledgeable and hopefully spread that knowledge to parents, other relatives, and other students too,” Denenberg shares. His donations to the cause have created the opportunity to educate Millersville students on breast health through campus events.

You can donate to Diana’s Dreamers here: Diana’s Dreamers

For more information about Breast-a-Ville and the Breast Health Initiative, visit Breast-a-Ville | Millersville University.

Leave a Reply