University to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month
FOR RELEASE: Monday, October 13, 2008
Huntington, Ind.-Huntington University will commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a week-long observance from Oct. 15-22. Information tables will be set up in the Habecker Dining Commons and the Huntington Union Building. Student, faculty and staff volunteers will distribute information and pink ribbons.
In addition, luminaries in honor of or in memory of friends, family and acquaintances who have battled any type of cancer - not just breast cancer - will be sold for $1 each. Proceeds will benefit the Young Survival Coalition, an organization offering support to young women coping with breast cancer.
A luminary lighting and prayer vigil will be held at 8 p.m. Oct. 22 on the central mall. Students, faculty, staff and the general public are welcome to attend. The public may purchase luminaries at the event.
A panel discussion about the risk, treatment and effects of breast cancer will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 in Hiner Hall of the Science Hall. This event is free and open to the public.
Panelists include Jim and Lizzie O'Donnell, Nancy Ehmke, and Sharon Simmons.
Lizzie O'Donnell will share her perspective as a survivor of stage-three breast cancer. Her husband, Jim O'Donnell, serves as associate professor of business and executive-in-residence at Huntington University. He is the author of "Letters for Lizzie," a book that is a collection of letters O'Donnell wrote to friends about his wife's battle with breast cancer and his own spiritual battle resulting from Lizzie's health crisis.
Nancy Ehmke is a clinical nurse specialist in oncology for Parkview Health. She is a registered nurse and is certified as an advanced practice nurse in oncology. She also holds a master's degree in nursing.
Sharon Simmons serves on the Northern Indiana Susan G. Komen for the Cure board of directors and holds a position on the statewide advocacy policy committee. In addition, she is a founding member of the Francine's Friends Mobile Mammography Program, and she currently serves as the board president.
For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness Week at Huntington University, contact Margi Roush or Heather Barkley. Roush, alumni relations director, may be reached at 359-4097 and Barkley, assistant director of public relations, may be reached at 359-4171.
