All through October, Galen College of Nursing proudly stepped off campus and into the community to participate in events supporting the American Cancer Society (ACS) and its fight against Breast Cancer.

Seven Galen campuses participated in local Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks, purchasing sponsorships worth $36,000 for the ACS. Galen students, faculty, and staff participated in the events both in walking teams as well as running a Galen booth, where we could interact with walkers and other members of the public.

The Galen campuses who attended the Making Strides walk include: Asheville, Gainesville, Miami/Pembroke Pines, Orlando, Nashville, Richmond, and Wichita. For Orlando Dean Dr. Ruby Alvarez, PhD, MSN, RN, this event hit close to her heart.

” When I was walking around the other booths, I actually ran into my surgeon and it was a surreal moment,” said Alvarez, who is a breast cancer survivor. “I saw her earlier in the year but both of us were teary eyed and said ‘look how far I had come’.

“I’ve been cancer free for seven years. I tell everybody, because women are always taught, you’ve got to do your self exams, and mine was found on my mammograms, so I push for women to do that all the time.”

The Making Strides walk is the ACS’ centerpiece public event in their battle against Breast Cancer. The event brings the community together to celebrate survivors, honor loved ones, and raise funds for breast cancer research and support programs. According to the National Cancer Center, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the United States, with an estimated 319,750 new cases diagnosed in 2025.

Here’s a look at some of our participating campuses supporting the fight against Breast Cancer in October 2025:

Asheville

Gainesville

Miami

Orlando

Richmond

Wichita

Galen College of Nursing is committed to continuing this tradition of community engagement. We believe that nursing is not just a profession—it’s a calling to serve, advocate, and lead. Supporting the American Cancer Society is one way we live out that mission.