Gala raises money for breast cancer research
Food, music and educational speakers at second annual Pink Positive Gala.
Published Nov. 6, 2007
Classical, jazz and contemporary tunes set the musical backdrop for the second Pink Positive Gala on Sunday.
The gala was hosted by the Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority, which is "a multicultural sorority focusing on academics, community service, cultural awareness, social interaction and moral ethics," Vice President of Program Development Felicia Hollis said.
Proceeds from the gala went to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and the event focused on breast cancer awareness.
Two keynote speakers gave special presentations, which focused on different areas of breast cancer research.
Sherri Homan, who is a public health epidemiologist at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, presented information on statistical figures of aspects of breast cancer such as breast cancer diagnosis by race.
Jane Armer, professor at MU's Sinclair School of Nursing and director of nursing research at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, spoke about lymphedema, which is an illness that causes swelling in the limbs due to fluid retention in the lymphatic system. Lymphedema can affect breast cancer survivors, and research covers various breast cancer areas.
"We look at long-term survivorship," she said.
Both speakers made a positive impact on gala attendees.
"I thought Armer was awesome," Sigma Lambda Gamma President Monica Blackstock said. "Jane did a speech last year and did an equally wonderful job, and it was very educational. When people think of breast cancer, they don't think of lymphedema. They think that once it's gone, it's gone."
The event also included an hors d'oeuvres reception and a raffle for a cookbook. There was also a special guest speaker who is a breast cancer
survivor.
"I thought it was awesome, it was very profound when she talked about how breast cancer affected her and her sister at such a very young age," Blackstock said.
Sigma Lambda Gamma held auctions this fall to support the gala.
Hollis said she had hoped to see more of a turnout at the Pink Positive Gala, but said she understands that it is only the second year for the event.
She said those who participated enjoyed themselves.
"Even if we filled up the entire room, we'd still always want more," she said.
Hollis said she thinks they didn't get their desired turnout because of lack of student interest in events like this.
"People would rather party than come to something like this," she said.
