Buildings, NFL players and other miscellaneous items are all accented with pink in the month of October in order to celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

This October, the nation is celebrating 27 years of awareness, education and empowerment about breast cancer and its victims.  Highlighting things in pink and wearing pink ribbons are ways to promote further awareness and support.

Auburn’s very own Audrey Moore won Miss Alabama USA in 2010 and her platform was breast cancer research for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. She chose this platform because her aunt had breast cancer twice.

“I feel like every body knows somebody that’s been affected by it or that has personally been affected by it themselves,” said Audrey.

Auburn’s campus supports Breast Cancer Awareness month as well. If you drive around Auburn’s campus at night you will notice that Samford, Lowder and the Jule Collins Smith Museum are some of the buildings lit up in pink throughout October.

“I think it’s great that they take the time to light up Samford and Cater Hall pink,” said Audrey. “It just shows that we remember and respect those who have gone through breast cancer.”

However, Audrey’s favorite part of this month is seeing the NFL players wearing pink accented jerseys, cleats and sweatbands.

“I love it because they are big, burly football players, but they aren’t afraid to wear pink and show support for those affected,” said Audrey.

Annalee Gaines, a senior at Auburn University, also knows what it’s like to have a family member go through a thing such as breast cancer.

“My mom found out she had breast cancer two days after my 9^th birthday,” said Annalee. “I remember that moment like it was yesterday, but it was hard for me to really understand at such a young age.”

Every time October rolls around, people are reminded of either those that lost the fight with breast cancer or those that beat it. Seeing all of the pink around Auburn’s campus is a good feeling for Annalee.

“It’s nice to see that people recognize how many women and their families breast cancer affects,” said Annalee. “It makes you feel like you’re not as alone dealing with it.”

According to breastcancer.org, in 2010 about 39,840 women died from breast cancer in the United States. On the other hand, there were 2.5 million survivors.

Even just the little community of Auburn lighting up their buildings pink can help spread the awareness and hopefully one day find a cure for breast cancer.