Friday's Lee National Denim Day at Saint Mary's kicked off the College's participation in events scheduled throughout the month to celebrate breast cancer awareness.

The fund raiser invited companies and organizations to participate by allowing their employees to wear denim in exchange for a $5 donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Within the past six years, National Denim Day has raised more than $30 million to contribute to the foundation. This year's national goal was to raise more than $7 million.

This was Saint Mary's first-year participating in the denim fund raiser. Students and faculty have been donating money to support the breast cancer cause since the end of last month to.

"I have been so excited about students' response to this event," said Melissa Peters, LeMans Hall director and event coordinator. "The fact that they are willing to donate $5 so they can wear jeans just proves that they know how important it is to find a cure for breast cancer."

Peters was diagnosed with breast cancer herself a year and a half ago at age 27. She found a lump while doing a self-exam and went to her doctor who confirmed that she had Stage II cancer. This month marks her one-year completion of a 10 month treatment process.

"Going through breast cancer treatment at such a young age has made me realize that life is short and I had to work hard and keep a positive attitude while going through treatment," said Peters. "Now I'm a survivor and looking forward to the next chapter in my life."

Only 0.3 percent of women under the age of 30 are diagnosed with breast cancer, yet detecting it in its earliest stages increases treatment options as well as the chance for survival. Breast cancer is the leading cancer site among American women and is second only to lung cancer in all cancer deaths. An estimated total of 203,500 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

"In general, I feel that college-age women recognize breast cancer as an important issue, although more so for older women. This is far from the truth," said Cathi DeCleene, director of health services. "Monthly breast self-examination is recommended for women from puberty on."

Other campus events planned for the month to support awareness include "Love Your Body Day" on Oct. 14, sponsored by the women's studies department, and a forum to address women's health and wellness on Oct. 30, sponsored by the Student Diversity Board and the Health and Wellness Center. Peters will be one of many speakers at the event. LeMans Hall Council is selling "Proud to Wear Pink" T-shirts with all proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Informational bulletin boards have also been put up in residence halls to help students gain awareness about breast cancer facts. In addition, hall front desks are collecting Yoplait "Save Lids to Save Lives" yogurt lids.

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