This October, the students, faculty, and staff at Ross Medical Education Center campus in Kokomo, Indiana came together to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month through a variety of activities. One of the simplest was by wearing their pink as a campus. They also showed their support by wearing the Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirts that were designed and sold by the students in the morning Dental Assistant class in support of the cause.
At the Kokomo campus, each of the students have had family or friends who have battled breast cancer. When speaking of this disease with each of the classes, the students did not hold back their memories of those who have won or lost this battle. The faculty at the Kokomo campus was so inspired by these stories, they decided to make a “In Memorandum” wall throughout the month. Each student was given a paper pink ribbon to write the name of family or friends who have battled this cancer, or they could write down information that showed their support of early detection.
The campus also had a guest speaker come and talk about her battles with breast cancer with all students, both day and evening. She spoke about her experience with this disease as well as how she was treated within the medical community during her battle. She was able offer the students advice on patient advocacy as well as information on affordable resources for patients who do not have insurance. Some of her negative experiences within the medical field during her battle were powerful and helpful in order to educate the students.
By increasing attention, supporting awareness and education, and informing students that early detection of this disease is the cornerstone for control of it, Ross is joining the healthcare community against breast cancer. They will continue in encouraging, engaging, and empowering their students to be better healthcare professionals after they complete the Kokomo Medical Assistant program and Dental Assistant program.