BY JOVANNI SAINT SURIN (Originally published by The Charge), SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
ORLANDO – Sisters Network Orlando put on the gloves and went toe-to-toe with breast cancer Saturday morning at its second annual 5K Walk/Run at Eagles Nest Park.
UCF students and breast cancer advocates were able to receive free items and informational pamphlets, all while enjoying the day together. The event was filled with raffles, prizes, free food and more.
The event held vendors from all over Central Florida, including representatives from UnitedHealthCare, Advanced Physical Medicine, K2 Medical and Stretch Zone.
These vendors emphasized breast cancer awareness, but also pointed out other health-related issues such as chronic back pain and consistent dieting.
The Sisters Network’s website states that it is an organization committed to spreading breast cancer awareness to the African-American community.
According to the American Cancer Society, Black women have a 4% lower incidence rate of breast cancer than white women, but have a 40% higher breast cancer death rate, making it the highest breast cancer death rate compared to other ethnic and racial groups.
According to the Sisters Network Orlando chapter’s website, its mission is to fight breast cancer through the education of its Stop the Silence campaign.
Some members said they advocate annual mammograms to African Americans by visiting hair salons, churches, health fairs, schools and more.
Patricia Coefield, president of the Sisters Network Orlando chapter, said that the organization decided to find a few local allies within UCF Registered Student Organizations after hosting its first annual 5K walk/run last year.
Coefield said the younger generation’s impact has been special for the program.
“Just to have the young people here, now we know that they’re going to make an impact and spread the word because our older generation is slowing down and moving on,” Coefield said. “But we want our young people to help us spread that word and that’s been really impactful for us.”
Several RSOs such as Black Men in Medicine, NAACP at UCF and the National Society of Black Engineers at UCF made an appearance.
Abdul Ibrahim, president of Black Men in Medicine, said not only did most of the members run the 5K marathon, but a few earned volunteer hours by helping set up the event.
Maya Stephens, president of the Sigma Epsilon chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, said her organization values events like these.
“I am here today because my organization stands for service, it’s something we do and take pride in,” Stephens said. “And then my mom is also a breast cancer survivor, her cancer anniversary is coming up on Sunday and she’s a part of Sisters Network in Jacksonville.”
Valerie Hayman, Sisters Network member, said the organization is looking forward to continuous efforts to raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer.
Coefield said she looks ahead to even more attendants during next year’s walk as the Stop the Silence campaign continues to grow.
Myla Franklin, president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council at UCF, said her favorite part of the day was the togetherness each organization displayed.
“My favorite part about today was the camaraderie with the other UCF organizations that were present here,” Franklin said. “I didn’t expect so many of us to be in a large setting like we were today, so it felt good rallying with the community around us.”
