Lunch and Learn: Feeding Knowledge & Fighting Battles

October is filled with plenty of awareness to acknowledge and shine the light on the serious issues that currently live in everyday life such as Breast Cancer and Lupus. The Residential Life and Intramural Sports at the Horace W. Moody Intramural Sports Complex had plans to host the “Lunch and Learn” event focusing on Breast Cancer and Lupus awareness scheduled to take place on October 26th at the Intramural Complex but unfortunately got canceled. Spearheaded by Jordan Smith, a sophomore majoring in Therapeutic Rec, the event aimed to not only provide nourishment but also feed knowledge to the student body. However, Digest had the opportunity to interview Jordan Smith to delve deeper into the risks and factors associated with Breast Cancer and Lupus, shedding light on the importance of screening and testing. Smith’s belief that knowledge is power resonated throughout the event. “I feel like knowledge is power, so the more knowledge that you have about something, the better you can spread knowledge to other people to get them more involved,” says Smith as she gives her thoughts on introducing the ins and out’s about breast cancer and lupus. Although the event didn’t happen as planned, students who had gathered were offered free pizza and goodie bags but remained captivated by the presentation Smith had set up.
She aimed to educate students about the intricacies of these diseases. Smith emphasized the significance of supporting lupus and breast cancer awareness charities. Going beyond donations, she stressed the importance of little acts, such as organizing a powder puff football game, that could raise awareness and engage the student body. Smith highlighted the prevailing lack of awareness surrounding lupus, motivating her to incorporate it into the program alongside Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The inspiration behind this event was Smith’s aunt, who has battled lupus for four decades. While she may not appear very active, Smith wanted to shed light on her struggles and motivate others to become involved in advocating for lupus. Simultaneously, she aimed to spread knowledge about breast cancer, aligning with the current awareness month.
The event was going to convey the message that breast cancer and lupus awareness focuses on educating students about screening, symptoms, and treatment. Early detection is crucial for breast cancer, as it drastically improves the 5-year relative survival rate. Darrien Martin, a junior pursuing nursing with a minor in criminology, emphasized the importance of proactive health measures and early detection. Breast cancer originates when cells in the breast uncontrollably multiply. The type of breast cancer depends on which cells turn cancerous, with most cases originating in the ducts or lobules. Conversely, lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can impact various body systems, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.
Often referred to as an “invisible illness,” lupus is not readily identifiable to others. Data suggests that women with lupus face an increased risk of breast cancer. Elevated estrogen levels could potentially contribute to this heightened risk. Shawna Dawson, a senior majoring in Sociology with a minor in Child Development, expressed her concern regarding both Breast Cancer and Lupus, “I’m vowing to spread awareness and encourage others to undergo regular check-ups and mammograms so that way I and my loved ones are well taken care of.” In conclusion, the Lunch and Learn event on Breast Cancer and Lupus Awareness successfully educated students about the risks and factors associated with these diseases. Hosting the event within the Intramural Complex allowed for greater participation and acknowledgment of the student body. Jordan Smith’s passion for raising awareness, fueled by her aunt’s struggle with lupus, served as the driving force behind this event. The knowledge shared within this event could save lives, urging students to take proactive measures regarding their health. Moving forward, it is essential to continue organizing such events and spreading awareness about diseases that often go unnoticed.