Making Strides: MCHSO Joins the Fight Against Breast Cancer
October 23, 2025
By Emily Flanders, Social Media Coordinator, Maternal and Child Health Student Organization; 2nd year MPH student in the Department of Community Health and Prevention; and MCH Trainee
On Sunday, October 19th, students from the Maternal and Child Health Student Organization (MCHSO) participated in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer awareness walk. The 3.4-mile walk around Cooper River Park in Camden County, NJ, brought together hundreds of survivors, thrivers, and supporters in celebration of courage, community, and hope.
"Raising awareness in October is so important, but it’s just as necessary to keep the conversation going about the impact of breast cancer all year long." - Catherine Turner, MPH student and MCH Trainee
Graced with beautiful fall weather, students from the Dornsife School of Public Health and across Drexel University joined MCHSO as a team to support this important cause.
“Getting to see all the different teams, friends, and families supporting their loved ones in their fight against breast cancer was so inspiring,” said Emily Flanders, a Master of Public Health (MPH) student and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Trainee.
Building on that sentiment, Catherine Turner, another MPH student and MCH Trainee, reflected on her experience, stating, “I wanted to take part in something that raises awareness and supports such an important cause, while also getting to meet new people.”
The annual Making Strides walk not only serves as the nation’s largest breast cancer fundraising event, but also as a reminder of the collective strength found in advocacy and compassion.
This event is just one example of how MCHSO engages with the greater Philadelphia community. Through ongoing service projects such as holiday card-making and Mother’s Day gift bag donations, MCHSO continues to uphold its mission of promoting the health and well-being of women, children, and families.
In addition to community outreach, MCHSO hosts monthly journal clubs, speaker series, and other events that foster discussion among Drexel students about the most pressing issues in maternal and child health today.
As Catherine noted, “Raising awareness in October is so important, but it’s just as necessary to keep the conversation going about the impact of breast cancer all year long.” Her words reflect MCHSO’s continued dedication to year-round education and advocacy for maternal and child health.
To learn more about MCHSO or get involved, students can follow us on Instagram @Drexel_mchso or request to join via DragonLink. For any questions, reach out to 2025 President Bengucan Gunen (bg594@drexel.edu), or Vice President Grace Young (gy95@drexel.edu).
MCHSO welcomes all Drexel University students passionate about maternal and child health to participate in future events!