Carly Hill
Arts Editor
University of La Verne fraternity Phi Delta Theta is doing its part to spread the word about breast cancer around campus this week.
More than 30 brothers are wearing pink shoelaces around campus to voice their concern for the cause during the first week of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“The stereotype of fraternity members is that they are drunk and disrespectful,” said Grady Thomas, senior public relations major who came up with the idea. “We are trying to be considerate, and it’s important to acknowledge the importance of women. We are stepping to the forefront.”
The idea for pink shoelaces was inspired by the NFL, where many players are donning pink gear to show their support, said Michael Lindsey, senior business management major.
“Everyone buys bracelets that say ‘I love boobies,’ but we wanted to do something more serious, but still something that the guys could enjoy,” said Roger Acevedo, president of Phi Delta Theta and a senior speech communication major.
Although many breast cancer events are often associated with women and sororities, the members of Phi Delta Theta thought it was important to voice their concern.
“Breast cancer affects anyone, male or female,” said Chris Kaelberer, senior business administration major. “Cancer has expanded so much and touches so many lives.”
In addition, the Phi Delts sold pink carnations Thursday. The flowers were donated by O’Malley’s Flowers of San Dimas.
The carnation is the flower of Phi Delta Theta, so senior biology major Will Ortiz decided that pink carnations adorned with pink ribbons would be the perfect items to sell. One hundred percent of the profits will be donated to breast cancer research.
“A lot of us have family who have been affected by breast cancer,” Ortiz said.
Ortiz has personally been affected by breast cancer. He remembered shaving his head with his grandmother when she went through treatment.
“We are the sons, brothers and boyfriends of people who are affected by this,” he said.
Carly Hill can be reached at carly.hill@laverne.edu.
