October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In the US, about 382,640 women and 2,670 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. There are over four million breast cancer survivors just in the U.S. In recognition of the countless individuals who have faced or are facing the struggle to defeat cancer, Benet raises money annually for the cause.

Benet Academy organizes several activities and events that help raise money for breast cancer each October. Benet’s campus ministry, LIFT, helps organize these. It sells pink t-shirts and sweatshirts to faculty and students. A “Pack the Chapel” mass is held before school to offer special prayer services and honor individuals and families affected by cancer. Many different Benet sports teams, most notably the football team, have games with “pink-out” themes in order to raise awareness. An out of uniform day where students have to pay a minimum of five dollars to be dressed in pink raises more money for the cause.

All of these Benet events help not only to raise money to support the cause, but also to raise awareness about those struggling with breast cancer. Jennifer Stott, a Benet parent who faced breast cancer, stated that, “Since going through breast cancer myself, I know how much strength, hope, and support mean during that time. Events like these are about so much more than raising money. They bring people together, remind us that we are not alone, and help fund the research that can make a difference for so many families. I’m grateful for everyone who gives their time and heart to this cause.” All of the funds Benet receives from these activities go to the Loyola Medicine Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, which directly impacts those fighting the cancer battle. Benet makes sure that nobody is alone on their journey to defeat cancer. Its efforts may not seem extraordinary, but for a breast cancer patient, they are revolutionary and key to helping many get better.

Source:  Shockney, Lillie. “Breast Cancer Facts & Stats.” 30 June 2026. National Breast Cancer Foundation, https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts/.