Miles are usually measured in sweat, but at Cleveland State University on Oct. 15 they were measured with purpose and a path towards healing. 

The CSU Run Club and New Era Scholars joined forces to host a walk to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held every October. The event brought students and community members together for a three-mile walk to Ebreeq Coffee. 

The walk was a tribute and commitment to the fight against breast cancer, which kills 43,000 women and 500 men in the U.S. each year. One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Students met in the Africana Studies Department in Berkman Hall where flowers covered each seat, along with a flyer titled “Every Story Matters."

The flyer highlighted Susan G. Komen, a nonprofit that offers financial assistance, community programs and advocacy for breast cancer patients nationwide.

CSU Run Club President Ashlee Mottl highlighted the importance of supporting such organizations.

“The Susan G. Komen Foundation basically helps remove all the barriers that breast cancer patients face day-to-day,” Mottl said. ”We created this event to honor the women who have breast cancer and to bring awareness to the community about it.”

For many of the attendees, the walk was personal. Students spoke about family members impacted by breast cancer, stressing the importance of continuous awareness. Kennedy Dent, a junior majoring in English and Literature attended the event to support her friends and family.

“These events are important because this is people’s livelihood on the line, their life and health are important and should be broadcasted more,” Dent said. “People should do more research and look into Breast Cancer because it is a lot more common than most think.”

Once the group reached Ebreeq Coffee, the shared conversations there highlighted the true spirit of the day. The community came  together, step by step, little by little, hoping to welcome even more participants next October. 

“Bringing awareness to breast cancer while also bringing the community together is what our event is all about,” said Lakira Harrel, treasurer of New Era Scholars Treasurer. “This is about teaching people to honor each other and to remember those no longer here.”

CSU Run Club and New Era Scholars plan to do this event again next October and hope more people will join them in support of the cause, emphasising community and togetherness in times of hardship and difficulties. 

Ebreeq Coffee helped out, providing matcha for all students and community members who took part in the walk. Students enjoyed their drinks amid the windy weather. 

For students and locals, this event was a sweet reminder to walk together, support one another, and honor those impacted by breast cancer.