This October, multiple departments at NYU Abu Dhabi have combined efforts to plan events in support of breast cancer awareness and prevention. NYUAD joins charities and organizations around the world who raise funds for and promote awareness of the cause every October. Lights on campus have been covered in pink film and the upper facade of the Campus Center has been lit up in pink to support the campaign.

Among the many pink-themed events, the Health and Wellness Center held walk-in hours where students could learn to conduct a breast self-exam. Campus Life’s Saadiyat After Hours program included an event where pink cupcakes and balloons were handed out and the Alpha Females hosted a Pink Party where attendees painted their nails pink and learned about breast cancer prevention from Health and Wellness members. Students who attended these events were encouraged to post on social media using the hashtags #NYUADHeart, #PINKOUT and #pinktober.

Now in its second year, NYUAD’s campaign has expanded to include more programming from the wider Abu Dhabi community, such as the informational booth set up on campus by the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi. The month kicked off with the Breast Cancer Awareness High Tea that brought together NYUAD students. Faculty, staff and experts from the UAE community enjoyed pink desserts while sharing information about breast cancer.

Junior Claire Louise Okatch, who helped organize the first Breast Cancer Awareness High Tea last year and attended this year’s event as well, appreciated how well the event creates a sense of community.

“One thing that was really nice was the relatability,” said Okatch. “We had Coach Wayne [as the emcee] and he talked about his family history.”

She also commented on the inclusivity of the program.

“Overwhelmingly there were female attendees, which I think most people would expect, but [we] had a few males, and a lot of the stuff did not seem to be speaking to them,” said Okatch. “But having Coach Wayne there was really helpful because he talked about the gene in his family and he talked about it affecting him, so it also drew males into the conversation.”

Students and faculty can be spotted on campus wearing pink T-shirts with Tougher Than Cancer emblazoned across the front, in support of breast cancer awareness. However, the campaign focuses not just on social media hashtags and free pink gear, but also on disproving breast cancer myths, educating people about prevention techniques and sharing the experiences of men and women affected by the disease.