WI holds Breastival

The fifth annual Breastival, a "health and empowerment festival" that took place on the main quad Tuesday, focused on early detection, fundraising and an overall awareness about breast cancer.

The BreastivalANDREW TOMLINSON / THE EAGLE

The festival was dedicated to the memory of AU professor Lucinda Joy Peach, a professor of religion and philosophy, who lost her battle to breast cancer this summer, according to Ashley Evans, director of Women's Initiative, who was responsible for organizing the event.

More than 60 organizations participated at this year's festival, she said.

Jennifer Burke, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences and a member of Women's Initiative, said the goal of the event is to invite both community and AU organizations to share information about breast cancer awareness in an effort to better inform women.

This year's festival focused on the importance of early detection, and encouraged women to start self-examinations at a young age, according to Evans.

Workshops on topics such as self-examinations and information sessions on the effects of breast cancer and breast cancer awareness emphasized the importance of early detection for young people, she said.

Avon's "Walk for a Cure" also had a table at the festival. The organization seeks to promote a better understanding of breast health on college campuses, according to Avon's brochures.

This year's tables had information on breast cancer awareness, counseling and research available to educate the public. Contraceptives were available at several tables throughout the festival in order to promote safe sex, according to Evans.

Christine Baze's "Yellow Umbrella Tour," was also represented at this year's festival. Baze has gone on a national tour to promote cervical cancer awareness, according to the "Yellow Umbrella" Web site.

Baze, a cervical cancer survivor, gave a free vocal concert with her band in the Battelle-Tompkins Atrium Tuesday night, according to Evans.

Hannah Smith, a freshman in CAS, said the Breastival was a rewarding and educational experience.

"I learned a lot of important details about breast cancer that make me feel more informed and more confident that I can correctly take care of myself," Smith said.

David Scheidel, a freshman in the School of Public Affairs, said he found Breastival to be enlightening.

"I learned a lot, and I think it is good that AU is open about health and preventing such a detrimental health risk."

You can reach this writer at news@theeagleonline.com.