This October marks the 25th year of being the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and students throughout Fresno State got involved.

More than 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer were reported in 2009.

Fresno State Athletics Marketing Assistant Kendra Miller said many of the sports teams throughout the athletics department have or will dedicate a night to breast cancer awareness.

On Sept. 17, the women’s soccer team hosted their “Breast Cancer Awareness Night” against UC Irvine. Entry to the game was free, but $2 from every “Bulldogs vs. Breast Cancer” bracelet sold was donated to Komen Central Valley.

Two hundred of the “Bulldogs vs. Breast Cancer” bracelets were sold, creating more than $400 in sales was generated.

Fresno State’s women’s volleyball team also dedicated a game night to breast cancer awareness on Sept. 25 against Boise St. and donated $1 of each ticket to Komen Central Valley. Survivors were also recognized at the game.

“Fresno State Athletics has always had a great relationship with Komen Central Valley,” Miller said.

Casey Morris, Susan G. Komen Central Valley Public Relations Chair, said that the organization likes to reach out to the local community.

“Komen Race for the Cure cares about community involvement, especially when it involves students,” Morris said. “Since the race is hosted on campus, it makes it easier for students to be involved and to participate in the day’s activities.”

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Central Valley chapter, is now held on campus every October. The walk took place this past Saturday.

“About 75 percent of the money raised goes to fund local breast health education, cancer screening and treatment for the medically underserved,” Morris said.

Race for the Cure is an outlet that many groups within the Central Valley have chosen to raise funds for.

Pre-nursing major Sarah Thorpe participates in the race every year with her friends and family.

“It’s a way that we can acknowledge that breast cancer is a huge threat to young women, and that awareness of the disease, and money, needs to be raised,” Thorpe said.

This year’s race had an even bigger meaning to Thorpe.

Thorpe, 19, recently experienced a scare that will forever change her view of the disease.

“I had a biopsy for a mysterious lump in early October, but everything turned out to be okay,” Thorpe said. “It’s important that we don’t ignore it just because we’re so young.”

Athletics at Fresno State isn’t the only way that students are getting involved with awareness month. Many clubs on campus are also getting involved. Sororities at Fresno State, such as Kappa Kappa Gamma, have also participated in Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The sorority participated in Making Strides for Breast Cancer last October. Kappa Kappa Gamma member Lauren Ruh said that about 45 members participated in the walk. They plan to continue the tradition starting next October.

“Most of the people who signed up walked for someone in their life that had been diagnosed with breast cancer,” Ruh said.

The Paul Warfield Tibbets Jr. Philanthropy Club” on campus has helped raise money and awareness with organizations such as the Breast Cancer Prevention Fund.

Another club, Colleges Against Cancer, has provided students and staff with volunteer opportunities with the American Cancer Society, along with improved college communities with awareness and supporting programs.

Fresno State’s men’s and women’s basketball team will hold their Breast Cancer Awareness Night on Feb. 24, 2011.

“Not all sports compete in October, so we try and raise awareness of breast cancer all year long,” Miller said.

Miller said that both the swimming and diving teams are also planning to dedicate a night at the end of January.