Philanthropy

Breast Cancer Awareness

With our dedication to our philanthropy, our house has raised $11,150 since October 2008 for breast cancer awareness.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer amongst women. It is also the leading cause of cancer death amongst women aged 40-59, and second only to lung cancer amongst women of other ages. All this said, when detected early and treated, the 5-year survival rate is 80%. Women, especially young women, are often too unaware of the simple measures they can take to detect breast cancer. Although breast cancer can develop in all women - and in men, as well - certain individuals are at higher risk than others. It is especially important to spread awareness of this cancer and any preventative actions that can be taken to such individuals. As such, 
Breast Cancer Awareness has became the National Philanthropy of alpha Kappa Delta Phi. Each year, every chapter sponsors events to raise money for the Avon Foundation for Women, especially during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here at the James Madison University, our sisters sponsor an annual Breast Cancer Awareness Week on campus, where we set up a booth to hand out information about breast cancer awareness and breast cancer awareness t-shirts. We also place donation jars at businesses around the area and all proceeds go to the Avon Foundation for Women. Please look out for us during the month of October and show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness!

The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade raises funds and awareness for breast cancer research and to advance access to care, with a focus on the medically underserved. From its launch in 1992, Avon’s Global Breast Cancer Crusade has expanded to more than 55 countries and by the end of 2009 had raised and awarded more than $640 million. Grants are made in five areas: breast cancer education and awareness, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment, support services and scientific research. The largest source of funds for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade is the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

The Avon Walks are non-competitive weekend fundraising walks for all fitness levels. Since the launch of the series in 2003, more than $320 million has been raised through the dedication of over 120,000 participating women and men. The Walks take place in 9 cities, covering 39 miles in two days, and raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer.

Progress has been made but there is still a new diagnosis of breast cancer in the U.S. every 3 minutes. The Avon Foundation for Women supports research to accelerate knowledge about the causes, diagnosis, treatments, and ways to prevent breast cancer. It works to facilitate research collaborations and to identify and fund new research directions. The Foundation also supports efforts to ensure the best quality of care for all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

The mission of alpha Kappa Delta Phi's Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign is three-fold:
** To raise funds on a national level to contribute to a non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating breast cancer
** To dedicate at least one Service Event per chapter/colony to Breast Cancer Awareness in October
** To develop a comprehensive page on our national website that provides links to breast cancer resources

In 1998, alpha Kappa Delta Phi launched its first-ever National Service project. Through our 22 chapter effort, we dedicated the year of 1998-99 to Breast Cancer Awareness by educating ourselves, our college campuses, and our communities. Through the efforts of our active sisters and alumnae, we have raised over $250,000 throughout the years for breast cancer research. In addition to raising funds, awareness is spread on all our campus communities through service projects, workshops, informational booths, or forums. alpha Kappa Delta Phi is a proud exclusive partner of Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.