October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the University of Colorado at Boulder will host a series of events starting with a special informational kickoff rally Sept. 30.
The kickoff event, in the British Studies Room of Norlin Library, will run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. It will feature mammography information presented by Boulder Community Hospital, a health fair and a rally hosted by CU-Boulder Interim Chancellor Phil DiStefano at 4:30 p.m.
The Sept. 30 kickoff includes the opening of the "Common Threads" art exhibit. On display in Norlin Library's third floor gallery throughout October, the exhibit is comprised of photographic quilts documenting the lives of Colorado women living with breast cancer. CU-Boulder alumna Cynthia O'Dell created the quilts.
In addition to the series of October events, the west portico of Norlin Library will be illuminated in pink during the month to raise awareness, understanding and promote the early detection of breast cancer. The lighting is part of a worldwide commemoration that also involves the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building and Sydney Opera House.
The events are sponsored by CU-Boulder Community Relations, CU Women's Resource Center, Friends of the Libraries, HealthLinks Clinic, CU Libraries, Luna Bar, University Memorial Center Catering and the Wardenburg Health Center.
Other events during the month will include:
Oct. 2 - Join the CU 4 The Cure team at the Race for the Cure in Denver, 8:30 a.m.
Oct. 3 and Oct. 6 - Plate Parties. Paint a plate to honor or memorialize someone with breast cancer, or use this opportunity to visually explore feelings about the disease. Oct. 3 at the Women's Resource Center, UMC room 416, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Oct. 6 in the Wardenburg Health Center lobby from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 11 - Stephanie Rudy, community leader and breast cancer survivor, presents her public talk, "Breast Cancer: It's Not Just Physical" at 7 p.m. in Old Main Chapel. Refreshments will be provided and there will be an information table hosted by the Wardenburg Wellness Program.
Oct. 5 and Oct. 19 - Visit the health awareness table hosted by the Wardenburg Wellness Program. The table will be available Oct. 5 at the UMC from noon to 1 p.m. and Oct. 19 at the UMC and the Student Recreation Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Oct. 27 - Panel discussion, "What Now? Everyone Is Affected by a Breast Cancer Diagnosis," including survivors, physicians and family members in Cristol Chemistry and Biochemistry room 142, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information and a calendar of events visit http://www.colorado.edu/CommunityRelations/.