Faculty Advisor: Dr. Audwin Fletcher, Dr. LaDonna Northington, Dr. Tina Martin
Volunteer Organization: Winner’s Circle Park 5K Walk/Run
On a crisp, cool autumn morning, thousands of people gathered at Winner’s Circle Park in Flowood for a 5K walk/run.
Among those thousands were faculty and student representatives from the UMC School of Nursing. The true cause of this gathering was to make strides against breast cancer. The goal was to raise awareness of breast cancer and to raise money to go towards breast cancer research through the American Cancer Society.
With sponsors and vendors ranging from Bank Plus to River Oaks Health System to WJTV News Channel 12, the laid-back atmosphere began with 9:30 a.m. registration followed by some words of encouragement from various news anchors, radio personalities, and event coordinators.
After a quick warm-up and stretch the real fun began. At 10:30 a.m. the masses gathered underneath a gigantic semi-circular garland composed of a multitude of pink and white balloons- “On your mark, get set, GO!” As the weather quickly warmed up, a parade of “pink” people snaked through the Laurel Wood subdivision across from Winner’s Circle Park.
There were several times that motor vehicle traffic came to a complete halt as the group charged on led by police escorts. As water was passed out and stories were shared, it was quite a sight to see this excited group span out for what looked like a mile. There were several extra special guests who were clad in extra special pink who could be found amongst the crowd- breast cancer survivors.
Not only were they there to serve as reminders, they were there as motivators and strong witnesses. It was very encouraging to see these special guests get out and promote awareness of breast cancer so that others may live. The UMC School of Nursing, led by Dr. Audwin Fletcher, was able to surpass their goal of $1,000! The event as a whole also outrageously surpassed their goal- how awesome is that?
Faculty Advisor: