Amid the downpour on Thursday, the Zeta Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. waited for the skies to clear before beginning its second annual “Candles for My Sister” Breast Cancer Walk.

Since its establishment at Stockton in 1987, breast cancer awareness has been a major part of the chapter’s philanthropy. The sorority’s goal is to bring awareness to breast cancer, honor survivors and pay tribute to those who have lost loved ones to the disease.

To continue supporting research and treatment, the Zeta Chapter holds an annual breast cancer walk to further these efforts and honor a chapter sister who is also a survivor. Their goal with this annual event is to bring hope, honor and unity in the fight against breast cancer as a community. Last year, the Zeta Chapter rebranded the walk as “Candles for My Sister” to emphasize community and sisterhood while preserving tradition.

“It’s important to give a voice to these strong, amazing, beautiful women who go through this fight. Even though not all may win, it’s about reminding them that they are appreciated, valued and loved. This is not an easy fight, and their resilience does not go unnoticed,” said Chapter President Jade Rojas-Munguia.

More than 13 other organizations attended to collaborate with the Zeta Chapter and show support for the cause. With a goal of doubling last year’s total donations, the chapter aimed to raise $400 this year. As of now, they are just $50 away from reaching that goal.

At the beginning of the event, Chapter Treasurer Ahnjeles Maldonado shared the chapter’s mission for this annual tradition and her personal connection to breast cancer.

Several students followed by sharing their stories and connections to breast cancer. They offered heartfelt memories of loved ones affected by the disease. The Zeta Chapter then held a moment of silence for women who lost their battle with breast cancer. Attendees were instructed to light their candles for support and awareness.

“This walk means a lot to me. One of our chapter sisters and Stockton alumni is a survivor of breast cancer. She has had such an impact on my life and college journey, and I am always honored to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and acknowledge the pillar of strength that she is,” Maldonado said.

The walk began at the front of the Campus Center, where each student carried a lit candle and made their way around the academic spine. Maldonado led the walk as students conversed and made connections along the way.

The walk paused at the halfway point for a few statistics about breast cancer, shared by Hannah Binetsky, representing the First Ospreys, and Tony Guardado-Castro, representing the Zulu Chapter of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc.

The night concluded at the Townsend Residential Life Center, where refreshments were served. The Zeta Chapter ended the event by sharing gratitude for everyone in attendance.

The Zeta Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. is still accepting donations. Interested donors can contact Ahnjeles Maldonado at maldon93@go.stockton.edu