Breast cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment walked together in a 5k on Oct. 14 to raise funds for the St. Bernards Cancer Center in the third annual Pink Warrior Walk. 

The Pink Warrior Walk went Arkansas State University’s campus, beginning and ending at St. Bernards Health and Wellness. 

Madalyn Neziri, a senior in medical imaging and radiation sciences emphasis in mammography from Paragould, explained the importance of spreading awareness for breast cancer. 

“Breast cancer awareness is so important because it affects everyone,” Neziri said. “Not only am I studying mammography but my family has been affected by this, so the meaning is insurmountable.”

Neziri encouraged women to get their breast self-exam and mammograms. “We want to spread awareness and support to those who have suffered from this hardship.” 

The members of Zeta Tau Alpha attended and joined the Pink Warrior Walk for their philanthropic efforts for breast cancer education and awareness. 

Kylie Oliver, a senior nursing major from Beebe, Arkansas and vice president for their philanthropy, expressed her excitement for the event. 

“Getting to come to see these events and see everything and what it means to these survivors and hearing all their stories, it honestly influenced who I want to be as a nurse,” Oliver said. 

Since being a part of breast cancer awareness through Zeta Tau Alpha efforts to inform others, oncology became a study of interest for Oliver. 

Lily Johnson, a junior nursing major from Memphis and president of Zeta Tau Alpha, shared how inspiring it was to see returning survivors.

“I love seeing the impact (the Pink Warrior Walk) has on people,” Johnson said. 

Johnson was the former service chairman for Zeta Tau Alpha and representative for last year’s Pink Warrior Walk. 

Jordan Cairer, a freshman marketing management major from St. James, Missouri and new member for Zeta Tau Alpha, shared how seeing their impact to spread awareness was a surreal experience. 

“Actually seeing our philanthropy like out and about and who it affects and who we are raising money for and who we’re having drives for, it’s just really cool thing for me to get to grasp,” Cairer said.

“Think Pink Week” started Oct 16, in which Zeta Tau Alpha began to raise money for breast cancer.  Later in november, they’ll host a pageant fundraiser called, “King of the Crown.” 

“I’m just really excited to hopefully see a lot of the community in the A-State campus come together to raise money for a good cause,” Oliver said. 

To support and contribute to the breast cancer awareness cause, donations are accepted by St Bernards Foundation, Go Pink Warrior.

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