Lipscomb faculty, staff turn out to walk for cancer research

On Friday, Oct. 6, about 50 people at Lipscomb University participated in Lee National Denim Day, a nationwide fund-raiser to benefit breast cancer research.

Lee National Denim Day has become the largest single-day breast cancer fund-raiser by raising more than $61 million in the past 10 years. In 2005, almost 30,000 companies or organizations agreed to let employees don denim on this day in exchange for a $5 contribution.  

In tandem with that idea, Lipscomb University sponsored a 1.5 mile walk for all the denim-wearing employees who donated $5 or more to breast cancer research. The Lipscomb walk began six years ago under Margie Shouse’s direction. Two years ago, a picnic lunch was added. The event raises between $500 and $700 dollars annually. 

Dr. Ruth Henry, associate professor or kinesiology and sponsor of the walk, said, “Lee Denim Day is a great combination of fellowship, exercise in a group during a beautiful time of year, and support for a worthy cause.  Breast cancer has touched just about every family in some way, and it feels good to unite in support of this cause.”  

Most of the people participating in Friday’s walk have been impacted by breast cancer in some way. Dr. Sally Lavender, professor of English, walked in honor of her mother who survived breast cancer. 

Libby Simons, David Lipscomb High school college counselor and 3-year participant in the walk, said, “I have had a number of friends who have had breast cancer. This year I am walking in honor of my friend Karen Dallis.”

 “All of us at Lee Jeans are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished in creating Lee National Denim Day,” commented Liz Cahill, director of advertising and public relations for Lee Jeans. “We have seen firsthand what the passion and the power of a simple idea like Lee National Denim Day can achieve.”