As a result of a campaign to raise money for breast cancer research, The Book Store at Western will donate over $7,000 to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and Team Shan, a local organization dedicated to educating young women that breast cancer is more than a disease of older women.
The Book Store’s recent campaign to raise money for breast cancer research involved (from left) Miranda Kasubeck, who helped develop the campaign; Lorna Larsen, mother of cancer victim Shanna Larsen and Team Shan member accepting a donation and Pam Kenward, a Book Store staff member with the campaign.
The Book Store at Western was one of 22 universities across Canada that participated in the campaign facilitated by Canadian Campus Retail Associates. Throughout October, The Book Store sold t-shirts for $10 each with all proceeds donated to breast cancer research.
“The success of the campaign was a direct result of the support of students, staff and faculty,” says Carolyn Young, communications manager for The Book Store at Western. “Not only did The Book Store sell almost 650 t-shirts, but also we raised almost $700 cash.”
The Book Store’s campaign was supported by Team Shan, a local organization created by four friends of Western graduate Shanna Larsen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 24. Through multiple speaking engagements, billboards, bus and newspaper ads, Team Shan aims to raise awareness that breast cancer is not just a disease of older women.
“The Book Store’s demographic is Team Shan’s target audience,” says Lorna Larsen, mother of Shanna Larsen. “Our goal is to increase early detection of breast cancer in young women and The Book Store’s campaign presented an opportunity to reach young women at Western. It was a special partnership.”
Lorna also supported The Book Store’s campaign by wearing her “Western Cares” t-shirt to multiple speaking engagements in October.
“The work Team Shan does positively affects students,” says Young. “Students recognize Shan’s face and story, which educates them about breast cancer. As a result, employees at The Book Store donated the $700 raised in cash to Team Shan so they can continue to make a difference.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women, with about 431 diagnosed every week. In 2008, an estimated 22,400 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer with about 5,300 dying. In Ontario women aged 15 to 39, over 400 are diagnosed each year and about 60 will die from breast cancer.
To donate or for more information about Team Shan visit www.teamshan.ca.
The writer is a Western graduate completing a post-graduate diploma program in public relations while interning at The Book Store at Western.