Del Mar College partnered with the American Cancer Society and kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Oct. 1 with Del Mar College Rocks Pink.
A visit from local firefighters, with an opportunity for selfies, and a pink fire truck were part of the opening event. Del Mar College Rocks Pink is a monthlong campaign full of activities.
“We are grateful that we can take advantage of this opportunity to educate and bring awareness to the Del Mar community,” said Catherine Munoz-Myers, publications specialist at Del Mar College.
Mary Lou Cruz, a cancer survivor, was one of the honorees at the ceremony. Cruz was one of four local Coastal Bend women chosen to represent the American Cancer Society during breast cancer awareness month. Cruz was also tasked with nominating a male representative as an ambassador for the cause.
David A. Abarca, associate professor of computer science at Del Mar, was nominated by Cruz and selected as a “Real Men Wear Pink” ambassador.
“I am very proud for the opportunity to represent Cruz and the American Cancer Society,” Abarca said.
Abarca used the ceremony to unveil his hot pink hair and beard, which students from the cosmetology program had dyed.
The next event for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is Fifty Shades of Pink on Oct. 14. Del Mar students are encouraged to wear pink and meet at 12:30 p.m. in the Kinesiology Building gym on East Campus. Students will gather together to make a pink human ribbon for a photo.
For more information on how to help in the fight against breast cancer, contact Munoz-Myers at 698-1247 or cmunozmyers@delmar.edu.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Oct. 14 — “50 Shades of Pink”
Photo of human ribbon
East Campus gym, 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 — “Making Strides” walk
Water Gardens, registration at 7:30 a.m.; walk starts at 9 a.m.
Oct. 20 — “Rock the Bra!”
Bra decorating contest, breast cancer survivor speech, information booths and more
Retama Room, Harvin Center, East Campus, 6-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21 — Raffle of gift baskets from Cosmetology Program (combined value of $900)
Cosmetology lab
Oct. 28 — “Go Green for Pink” Restaurant Management Healthy Lunch
West Campus
Every Wednesday — “Pink Wednesdays”
Decorate your office; East Campus vs. West Campus. Winner to be announced Oct. 30.
Reporter Veronica Barrera contributed to this article.