The Operation Pink: 5k Run was hosted by USM’s Kappa Iota Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated Saturday behind Century Park North on the Hattiesburg Campus. 

Jeremy Hyde, an undergraduate student and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc., said this run is to promote breast cancer awareness, not just women, but also men, women and different sexual orientations.  

There was a total of eight people that signed up to participate.  

Not only were there students who present at the race, but a small number of community members passed through during their morning jogs and walk.   

The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. held this event on a day that is near the time of their charter day.   

Jacorey Brown, undergraduate student and member of the fraternity, said the 5k run is to support breast cancer, and it is also in remembrance of our charter day; it is October 10, 1980.  

“This is our 42nd charter day,” Brown said.  

With the race aiming to support breast cancer awareness, it allowed students, females particularly, to become self-aware of the risk of getting breast cancer.  

It is vital that young women examine themselves thoroughly for any “out-of-the-ordinary” lumps in their breasts. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends that women who are at high risk get mammograms regularly starting at the age of 25.  However, if breast cancer is hereditary, then you are eligible to get a screening done as early as possible.  

Breast cancer awareness month will last the entire month of October but supporting breast cancer survivors can be done every day of the year.  For more information about the upcoming events of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., follow their Instagram page at @kinupes.   

To the young women who desire to know more about the risks of getting breast cancer, visit www.cdc.gov. For more information concerning the process of getting a mammogram, visit cancer.org.