October Awareness

By Luci Farrell

Hello there Readers,

So today I want to take the time to have a blog that’s a little more serious. October is a big month not just for the holidays, but also for health awareness. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and also holds Mental Illness Awareness Week. Both these topics hit close to home for many so I would like to take some time to show how SXU is showing support for these two causes.


Breast Cancer Awareness month is quite large on this campus. Many students have family members who have battled breast cancer or are currently facing it. You can find ‘Cougars Kick Cancer’ shorts being sold in the diner and many people sporting pink ribbons around campus. We also have an amazing event taking place on Sunday, October 30th. SXU will be hosting Zumbathon. For those who do not know, Zumba is a dance fitness exercise that has become very popular over the past few years. Now a Zumbathon is a 2-3 hour Zumba marathon. In this case, the Zumbathon is being used to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The idea for a Zumbathon at SXU was the brainchild of junior nursing major, Kelly Mihalik.

For those that are interested in learning more can e-mail Kelly at mihalik.k01@mymail.sxu.edu. Registration for this event will be at the door. The registration fee is $10 for students and $15 for community members, faculty, and staff. If you have the opportunity to go I would seriously encourage it. It is for a great cause and shows your support in finding a cure.

Another thing October supports is Mental Health awareness. Mental Health Awareness Week is observed at the beginning of the month, but there are also other days that show support and encourage people to speak out, accept problems, and get screened for depression. SXU will be holding a depression screening on October 26th from 11 am to 2 pm in the Student Lounge. These will be free confidential screenings by licensed counselors. For more information you can go visit Counseling Services (the modular unit behind Pacelli Hall) or call them at (773) 298-3131. I’ll even give a big thumbs up to go visit the staff there who are all friendly and willing to give a listening ear.


There is no shame in speaking up and seeking help. Your mental health is important. Active Minds wants to bring an end to the stigma of admitting to issues with mental health. Never be ashamed to ask for help. Go to a school counselor or if you just feel you need to get something simple off your chest, go find your Peer Minister on campus. As a Peer Minister I do love to be there for my peers because sometimes you just need a friendly face to go to and a change of scene. Find your calm in a helpful and positive way.

I do hope you will all take these issues to heart and remember to be good to each other.

Keep Calm and Pass It On.

Luci Farrell is a senior from New Haven, CT. She is an Organizational Communication major with a minor in Anthropology. Luci is a Resident Peer Minister on campus and chair of the Honors Program Advisory Council at Saint Xavier University.