In conjunction with Make a Difference Day, students and staff from the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine attended the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk held at Rochester Municipal Park on Saturday, Oct. 18.
Make a Difference Day recognizes community service efforts and raises awareness to help those in need. OUWB has participated in this national effort for several years.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the largest movement surrounding cancer in the nation. For 30 years, communities have been coming together to honor and celebrate those fighting the disease, decked in pink for a three-to-five-mile walk.
With the sun shining brightly at 9 a.m., the day was off to a perfect start. Guest speakers shared personal stories and courageous messages of hope. With music blasting, bubbles in the air and people joining hands, it was a true celebration of friendship.
Fox 2 News anchor Robin Roberts shared a sentiment that reminded the public about the event’s importance.
“We are fighting for a future in which future generations will never have to (hear) the words ‘breast cancer,’” said Roberts.
Trixy Hall, coordinator, Graduate Program and Community Outreach, said she continues to be astonished by the community service commitment demonstrated by the OUWB community.
“(They) are incredibly dedicated, not only to their rigorous academic and clinical training but also to making a positive impact beyond the hospital and classroom,” said Hall. “Their willingness to volunteer despite demanding schedules speaks volumes about their character.”
OUWB staff Dawn Gorris (left) and Katy Torma
take a break from cheering.
Tables were set up by sponsors, pink-themed bracelets, hats and baskets were being sold and food trucks united people from across Michigan. With some walking and others alongside the trail as cheerleaders, the OUWB team reminded everyone participating in the walk that they had the strength to push through.
Stephanie Marcincavage, director, Clinical Skills and Simulation Center (CSC), stressed the need to be involved with local activities.
“It’s important … to become part of the Rochester community where the OUWB is and advocate for the people in the area,” said Marcincavage. “They must show support for all these people that could be their future patients.”
OUWB student Betty Judah, M2, echoed a similar statement, reinforcing engagement.
“It’s important to show up at these events because you get to really see the people that you’ll be impacting hopefully in your future careers,” said Judah. “To be able to see the people attached to these stories that you learn about and hear about is critical.”
Apart from local interactions, some OUWB students and staff said they have someone in their lives who gives them a reason to practice medicine and support events like Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
“My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she’s been cancer free for about seven months now,” said Dawn Gorris, IT support specialist, OUWB.
“My grandma is a breast cancer survivor,” said Avery Supernois, M2. “The fact that everyone’s life is touched by cancer in some way is a strong motivator when working towards my goal of being an oncologist.”
“It reminds me that aside from just training to be a physician it is crucial to be a cheerleader, like we were today, for people on their journeys,” she added.