The Department of Communication & Journalism at Washington Adventist University will put on its first Breast Cancer Awareness Walkathon this Thursday.

The event, which will take place from 2 to 4 p.m., is meant to draw attention to breast cancer for students and the community. All are invited to participate in the walk or simply come to show support.

Participants will circle the university’s baseball field four times, according to Jarilyn Conner, a WAU professor who is planning the walkathon. Afterward, they will walk around downtown Takoma Park.

“It’s basically going to be a fun event for everyone to come,” said Mytiaria Berry, a WAU student who is helping with the walkathon. “We’re providing lunch and refreshments.”

The school is partnering with nearby Washington Adventist Hospital, which is providing T-shirts and educational pamphlets.

This is the first walkathon held by the university, and Conner said she would consider 30 attendees a healthy turnout. She plans to hold more walkathons, especially next October, which, like this one, will coincide with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As time goes on, Conner would like to see 200 people participate, which she said would be “phenomenal.”

“We’ll see how big it actually gets, but at least we started something,” Conner said. “It doesn’t matter how big it is, as long as I’m spreading the word positively.”

For more information, reach Mytiaria Berry at mytiaria@gmail.com. Washington Adventist University is located at 7600 Flower Ave.