When one thinks of October, the first thing that comes to mind is Halloween. But October is more than just running around in costumes reciting the overly heard phrase trick-or-treat. October is also about raising awareness for breast cancer and to end the fight of this monstrous disease. 

According to Susan G. Koman web page, one in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the United States alone. It is also the second leading cancer death for women the United States. But breast cancer does not only affect women, it also affects men, although it is not as common.

This October there will be many events and bake sales to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer. All donations will go to the American Cancer Society for more research.

Throughout the month, the Center for Leadership and Service (CLS) will host several bake sales in the Miron Student Center (MSC) atrium to help raise money. The dates are as listed:

Thursday, October 6, 2016; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016: 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 20, 2016: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Students can also donate to the cause by going to the American Cancer Society website.  

Every year the American Cancer Society hosts Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Kean University has made a team for the walk. The walk will be in Edison, N.J. and will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2016. If one would like to take a part of the walk, sign up through Cougar Link. The registration application can be found on the CLS "Event" page. 

CLS will also be hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness Kickoff this Friday, October 7, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the MSC atrium. Come support and donate to help the fight against breast cancer. There will be plenty of activities, such as breast cancer trivia, for attendees to participate in and there will be shirts and hoodies for purchase.

As mentioned before, throughout the month CLS will be selling "Kean Blue Thinks Pink" hoodies and tee shirts. Tee shirts cost $10 and hoodies cost $25. Students can purchase a tee shirt or hoodie at one of the bake sales or visit CLS in MSC room 219 to purchase one. The tee shirts come in the colors of hot pink, light pink and blue; the hoodies come in a variety of blues. 

For more information about the Breast Cancer Awareness Kickoff or the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk,please reach out to CLS by phone at 908-737-5170, or by email at serve@kean.edu.