Dear Editor:

As a breast cancer survivor, I commend Athletic Director Jim Nelson as well as his coaches and athletes who stepped up to the plate and organized the human pink ribbon event in the gym as part of Suffolk’s 11 annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month program.

For the past four years, this event has allowed the entire Suffolk community – students, faculty, administrators, and alumni – to stand as one to support heightened breast cancer awareness, early detection, and prevention.

I applaud the other individuals and organizations who contributed to and participated in this event and other activities throughout the month, particularly The Suffolk Journal for its front-page coverage and special pink masthead.

I also send special thanks to the staff of the Holiday Inn Boston at Beacon Hill who, for the past 11 years, have generously contributed food and funds as well as attended various Suffolk Breast Cancer Awareness Month events.

On a personal note, I am here today because of early detection, as my oncologists constantly remind me.  Because of my highly aggressive form of breast cancer, delaying an ordered follow-up mammogram even for a few months, as I almost did, would have made the difference between a positive and an ominous prognosis.

In the years ahead, I strongly encourage the Suffolk community to continue to work together on critical Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiatives so that other women can be blessed with a second lease on life, thanks to greater awareness and early detection.

Norine P. Bacigalupo

BSJ – 1970

Adjunct Professor

Communication and Journalism