The office of Student Engagement and Activities on the San Jacinto College North Campus is organizing an event Oct. 24 in collaboration with the Medical Student Association of Health Information Management, the Pharmacy Tech student organization, and the cosmetology department to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Kelly Folkerts, a registered medical assistant, and a North Campus instructor said the occasion is an opportunity for the San Jac community to learn about the disease outside of a classroom setting, while also remembering those who lost the fight to breast cancer and celebrating those who won.

Folkerts added, the event relies on the contribution of different organizations “to work together in educating others.”

Each group is operating a booth featuring poster board presentations with breast cancer awareness information and messages. Some participating organizations will offer activities centered on the event theme while others will pass out free breast cancer trinkets.

For its part, the cosmetology program is offering attendees free manicures as a gesture of support and solidarity with the other hosts.

“With this event, that we are having collectively, we want to let the students know that we are here for them and that we care about them outside the classroom as well,” Cosmetology Instructor Lisa Barnes said.

Furthermore, Barnes said she hopes the manicures will showcase the cosmetology program and the highlight the services they offer.

“We want the students to know that our salon is available to them and that we are willing to serve them …,” she said.

Meanwhile, Barnes said even though attendees may be young and healthy, it is never too early for preventative measures.

“I see people becoming aware at an early age,” Barnes said. “This event will encourage those to go get checked out at an early age because they are just as likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer as well.”

The Breast Cancer Awareness event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 24 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the lobby of the Science/Allied Health building (N17) on the North Campus.