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Graphic edited by Multimedia Desk/The Gazelle

A Look at Pinktober

For the month of October, the Saadiyat campus has turned pink to raise awareness for breast cancer. This is part of a worldwide campaign to support ...

Oct 17, 2015

Graphic edited by Multimedia Desk/The Gazelle
For the month of October, the Saadiyat campus has turned pink to raise awareness for breast cancer. This is part of a worldwide campaign to support cancer treatment research and encourage individuals to understand its symptoms and treatments.
On Oct. 4, an educational High Tea was organized by junior Hannah Taylor and sophomore Claire Louise Okatch in collaboration with the Office of Community Outreach. They invited breast cancer survivors and doctors from the community to share stories and join them for the cause.
Okatch spoke positively about the turnout at the event.
“We had about 50 guests — students, community members and administration from other universities in Abu Dhabi," said Okatch, adding that medical practitioners and survivors of the local breast cancer support group, Bosom Buddies, also joined.
Another event organized through NYU Abu Dhabi was the Oct. 16 Pink Run, which was held at Zayed Sports City. The participants ran five to 10 km, and a percentage of registration fees was donated to the Al Jalila Foundation, a medical research organization founded by the Vice President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Jessica Castelyn from Community Outreach organized the volunteers; duties included moral support and handing out water, and a number of NYUAD students came to pitch in. Freshman Aaima Humayun described the personal satisfaction that the experience brought her.
“It felt wonderful. Keeping the runners hydrated and then handing out tokens of appreciation was the least we could do to show our concern and love for the pink warriors,” she said.
“For the first time in these two months, I felt fulfilled. Waking up at 5.30 a.m. on a weekend can sometimes be the best decision you make. In this case, it truly was,” she added.
Dan Gill from NYUAD’s Health and Wellness department organized the third round of Fitness Games, centered around breast cancer awareness, this past Monday. Participants were encouraged to wear pink in support of the cause.
Freshman Kirk Edward Mariano found the games to be very thought-provoking.
“The breast cancer awareness fitness games symbolized fighting through tough times. It really helped me feel the community spirit here at NYUAD,” he said.
Another upcoming event for breast cancer awareness is the Funny Girls Go Pink stand-up comedy show. It will be organized in partnership with Dubomedy, a Dubai based comedy company.
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