Defy the Odds: Breast-a-Ville Returns to MU

Millersville students will be dancing through lifeat the 14th annual Breast-a-Ville, held to empower students with knowledge around breast cancer awareness and prevention. This year's theme is "Defy Gravity, Defy the Odds: Take Charge of Your Breast Health," inspired by the movie "Wicked: For Good," premiering in November 2025. The Breast Health Initiative will host the event at the Student Memorial Center on Oct. 1, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The water fountains on Millersville's campus will be dyed pink on October 1, the international symbol for breast cancer awareness, on the morning of the event.

Breast-a-Ville provides interactive activities, information and panels dedicated to breast cancer prevention and education, featuring local experts and organizations.

"We love to encourage learning while having fun," says Maddie Nitroy, Millersville chemistry department secretary and Breast-a-Ville organizer. "Attendees can look forward to having the opportunity to visit and talk with local agencies, play carnival-style games including the ever-popular Bra Pong, capture memories at the photo booth, learn how to perform breast self-exams and more!"

The annual Breast-a-Ville began in 2011, founded by Dr. Dennis Denenberg to honor his sister, Diana Denenberg Durand '67, who fought breast cancer for 18 years. Denenberg's support has enabled campus education on breast health.

"Diana was an MU alum, so I thought it was fitting to have a living tribute in her memory every year. I know Diana would be grateful to see young people learn about this disease," says Denenberg. "I have established a gardenin Diana's honor in the courtyard of the Stayer building. I hope everyone will take time to visit the garden and see the beautiful statue representing Diana's indomitable spirit. I am inspired every time I think about my sister's courage and how she lived her life with enthusiasm and joy."

"Our goal through Breast-a-Ville is to help people understand the factors affecting breast health and teach them how to perform self-exams," says Denenberg. "It has been exciting to see students maintain an interest in the event. We will never know for certain whose life might be saved by breast health education, but we are certain that as individuals go through their lives, something they learned at the event may indeed be a salvation for them."

Students, faculty and staff who wish to volunteer at Breast-a-Ville, as well as organizations that would like to host a table at the event, should keep an eye out for sign-ups in 'Ville Daily. Organizations are welcome to promote their own missions but are strongly encouraged to also emphasize breast cancer awareness.

You can donate to Diana's Dreamers: Determined to Defeat Breast Cancer here.

For more information about Breast-a-Ville and the Breast Health Initiative, visit Breast-a-Ville | Millersville University.

For "Wicked" and "The Wizard of Oz" fans, check out Denenberg's 2024 book, "Toto's Memoir," that tells the events of "The Wizard of Oz" through the eyes of its canine companion, Toto. He encourages readers to donate to Diana's Dreamers,