During the week of Oct. 26, Saint Francis hallways transformed into a sea of pink, as students, staff, and clubs came together for Breast Cancer Awareness Week. Organized by the Medical Club, the week-long initiative aimed to promote solidarity, spread awareness, and educate the school community about breast cancer.
The campaign kicked off on Monday with a special partnership with the Intersectional Feminist Student Association (IFSA). During lunch, IFSA members distributed pink ribbons to students and faculty, who proudly pinned them onto their lanyards as a sign of support. This recognizable symbol carries a rich history; it originally evolved from Charlotte Haley’s grassroots peach-ribbon activist campaign before being popularized in the 1990s by Estée Lauder and Self magazine, which created the pink ribbon we recognize today. By wearing the ribbons, Lancers took part in this movement of unity. “Seeing all the pink ribbons on people’s lanyards was a small detail that made me feel more connected to the cause and the student body,” Kellyn Hu (’28) said.
Tuesday’s events shifted the focus toward educational awareness, as the Medical Club hosted Kahoot games with prizes in the cafeteria during lunch. Through interactive trivia, students had the opportunity to test their knowledge about breast cancer and ways to live a healthier life.
“When I saw everyone competing for prizes, it really felt like it brought people together,” Akhil Ranjeet (’28), a HOSA Director for the Medical Club, said. “I definitely walked away learning a lot of new things.”
On Wednesday, the school wore pink! In a spirited show of support for Breast Cancer Awareness Week, students and staff members dressed in their brightest pink outfits, wearing pink shirts, jackets, headbands, socks, hair clips, and shoes.
The events concluded on Thursday with a moving talk by Ms. Kimberly Liem, who shared her personal experience with breast cancer. Having stepped away from teaching last year following her diagnosis, Ms. Liem shared her journey with the room and is planning to return to the classroom later this school year. The event saw a great turnout, filling the room with students and educators alike, eager to hear her unique experiences. Ms. Liem’s message resonated strongly with the listeners, leaving a lasting impression on those present.
“Ms. Liem’s talk was easily one of my favorite parts of the whole week,” Ranjeet said. “Seeing so many students and teachers fill the room to listen to her story was incredibly moving, and we’re so grateful to her, IFSA, and everyone who came out to support.”
Through these efforts, Breast Cancer Awareness Week succeeded in educating the student body and in building an environment of stronger empathy and support. The week also reminded Lancers that support does not end in October; rather, conversations must continue around health and community support year-round.
