The annual Breast-a-Ville event brings awareness to breast cancer while
empowering survivors and their communities. PHOTO COURTESY OF BREAST-A-VILLE
Katelyn Auty
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Millersville is honoring that with its thirteenth annual Breast-a-Ville event. Breast-a-Ville is set to happen on the SMC Promenade on Oct. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Breast-a-Ville is an event that was created through the university’s Breast Health Initiative (BHI) to educate the community on the importance of breast health and breast cancer awareness. The BHI began with an endowment from former Millersville professor Dr. Dennis Denenberg in honor of his sister, Diana Denenberg Durand, who fought a battle with breast cancer for 18 years.
Since its inaugural year, Breast-a-Ville has been an engaging way for students and the Millersville community to come together to learn about breast health and raise awareness about breast cancer with local experts and health agencies.
“The event provides both a safe and fun space for conversation with different local health professionals that people, especially students, may not otherwise connect with,” shared Maddie Nitroy, Breast-a-Ville’s Project Manager. “Research shows that breast cancer is starting to affect younger women, so it is even more important for college-aged students to become aware of how to protect themselves.”
In addition to learning from local health agencies and professionals, attendees can look forward to games, such as the popular Bra Pong, and even learn how to perform a breast self-exam.
“[Breast-a-Ville] means SAVING LIVES! The information which attendees acquire may someday literally save their lives,” Denenberg shared. “In addition, we want people to share what they have learned with parents, relatives, and other students! While we hope everyone will have fun, the REAL purpose is educational.”
Each year, Breast-a-Ville chooses a theme to highlight the event. With this year being the thirteenth year, they decided to go with “The Awareness Era,” inspired by Taylor Swift and The Eras Tour. Students can earn an Awareness Era t-shirt, while supplies last, by visiting at least eight event exhibitors.
“Breast-a-Ville gives the community the opportunity to empower themselves to take control of their health and to educate others in their lives,” shared Nitroy. “Unfortunately, just about everyone knows someone who has been affected, or has personally been affected by breast cancer, which is why it is so important to promote prevention.”
In addition to attending the event on Oct. 2, Denenberg asks that members of the community take time to attend the Diana Durand Spirit Garden in the courtyard of the Stayer building, which honors people who have or are currently fighting breast cancer.
“When I started Breast-a-Ville in 2010, I was hoping it would grow and continue to be an annual event for MU students,” says Denenberg. “That dream has been achieved, and I hope the event will continue for a long time to come.”