Canisius University empowers students to take the lead in creating positive change on campus and beyond. During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, freshman Briana DeGlopper ’29 put that mission into action by hosting a student-led cancer awareness initiative focused on education, early detection, and community support.
DeGlopper organized a breast cancer awareness tabling event in the Richard E. Winter Student Center on Oct. 16, where students could learn about breast cancer prevention and early detection, access resources and show support for cancer survivors and those currently battling the disease.
“Cancer is a disease that haunts my heart,” said DeGlopper. “Watching a loved one deteriorate in front of you from an incurable disease alters your life forever. I lost two grandparents to cancer within months of each other.”
To prepare for the event, DeGlopper and a group of supportive friends created pink ribbons and gathered materials to share with students, including bracelets, stickers, and informational resources about breast cancer and other forms of cancer. The response from the Canisius community was overwhelmingly positive.
“Many individuals who stopped by shared that they currently know or knew someone affected by cancer and were touched by the gesture,” she said. “It has warmed my heart walking around campus seeing students and staff wearing the pink ribbons and bracelets.”
DeGlopper hopes the event reminded her peers that small actions—like wearing pink or sharing information—can have a lasting impact. “I hope this event inspires our community to show their support for cancer survivors and those still fighting cancer. Wearing these pink ribbons and bracelets is a small way we can all show our dedication to those who have lost their lives to this awful disease.”
Raising awareness among young women was also an important goal. “It’s important for young women to learn about breast cancer because it can affect them at a young age, contrary to popular belief,” she explained. “Awareness helps young women recognize risk factors and take steps toward early detection.”
DeGlopper’s motivation is deeply personal and rooted in optimism. “I want young girls like me to feel confident in recognizing early signs and to know that there is always hope,” she said. “I live by Mahatma Gandhi’s words, ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world,’ and remind myself every day that I am capable of positively impacting the world around me.”
Students who visited the table were also invited to write messages of encouragement on pink Post-it notes. These heartfelt notes were distributed at the Breast Cancer Walk at Buffalo Outer Harbor on Saturday, October 18. “The Post-it notes were a beautiful gesture showing Canisius students’ support for cancer fighters and survivors, as well as a way to remember those who have lost their lives,” DeGlopper shared.
DeGlopper expressed gratitude to those who helped make the event possible. She thanked Daeshyon Riley ’26, public health committee chair, for playing a vital role in coordinating the event, Sophia Mulé ’29, vice speaker, for her support and friendship and Airella Rogers ’29 who helped set up the table’s display, and contributed to the event’s welcoming atmosphere. And finally, Ella Pirrami ’29 created the breast cancer awareness sign and handed out Post-it notes—a contribution made especially meaningful as her mom is currently battling ovarian cancer.
Looking ahead, DeGlopper hopes to expand future health awareness events on campus. “I learned that far more people are personally affected by cancer than most realize,” she said. “I hope to do more initiatives in the future on a larger scale.”
