2026 Breastology Tour Promotes Breast Health Awareness and Advocacy at FAMU
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University students joined community advocates Sept. 29 for the 2026 Breastology Tour, an educational event focused on breast health awareness, early detection and self-advocacy.
The FAMU Chapter of Progressive Black Men, Incorporated and the Original Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. partnered with Blossoming Butterfly, Inc. to host the event in Room 103 of the Florida Blue New Pharmacy Building, ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
Loren Fuller, a fourth-year biology student on the predental track and president of the sorority's Beta Alpha Chapter, said the event was designed to engage students in conversations about an issue affecting communities nationwide.
Attendees engage in conversation during the 2026 Breastology Tour at Florida A&M University's
Florida Blue New Pharmacy Building on Sept. 29. (Photo courtesy of Blossoming Butterfly,
Inc.)
“We wanted to create an event that would give us a chance to connect with FAMU students
while also talking about an issue that really affects our community,” Fuller said.
Blossoming Butterfly founder, president and CEO Nicole Miller focuses on breast cancer education, research advocacy and community engagement.
According to Blossoming Butterfly, the organization works to include the perspectives of patients, survivors and co-survivors, including family members, friends and caregivers who support individuals diagnosed with cancer, in breast cancer research and related decisions. Through educational initiatives, it seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and the lived experiences of individuals affected by breast cancer.
Nicole Miller, founder, president and CEO of Blossoming Butterfly, Inc., is featured in promotional artwork for the Breastology Campus Tour. (Graphic courtesy of Blossoming Butterfly, Inc.)
Fuller said the event also provided an opportunity to discuss breast health disparities affecting Black women.
Fuller said mistrust of the health care system, demanding schedules and limited access to resources can prevent people from seeking medical attention.
The event also emphasized the importance of including men in conversations about breast health.
For Lucky Thomas, a former FAMU student navigating breast cancer treatment, the importance of those conversations is personal.
Thomas, 33, studied African American psychology at FAMU before pursuing a career in massage therapy.
Her experience with breast cancer began when a longtime friend, who is also her child's godfather, was diagnosed with the disease. After witnessing his experience, she became more aware of the importance of paying attention to changes in her own body.
Lucky Thomas, 33, shares her experience navigating breast cancer treatment and encourages
young adults to pay attention to their health and seek support. (Photo courtesy of Gerald Tookes.)
She later discovered a lump during a self-examination and was diagnosed with stage 1B triple-positive breast cancer.
Her treatment has included chemotherapy, and in September, she was preparing for a double mastectomy. Thomas said the experience has affected her ability to work, her finances and her responsibilities as a mother.
“Advocating for yourself is going to be very important. Having support is [going to] be very important,” she said.
Thomas credits her family, friends and community for helping her navigate the emotional and physical challenges of treatment.
Breast cancer patient Lucky Thomas poses with pink boxing gloves, symbolizing strength
and determination throughout her breast cancer journey. (Photo courtesy of Gerald
Tookes.)
“Community is learning how to have others back and learning how to ask for help when you need it,” she said.
Thomas believes initiatives such as the Breastology Tour are significant because young adults may not recognize the importance of monitoring their health until they experience a medical concern themselves.
Lucky Thomas, a former Florida A&M University student and breast cancer patient, poses
in pink to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of self-advocacy.
(Photo courtesy of Gerald Tookes.)
“I'm only 33 and I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said.
Mariah Wiggs, an alumna of FAMU's School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, is a breast cancer survivor and host of “Day to Day with Mariah” on WHNT News 19 in Huntsville, Alabama. She shared a similar message after being diagnosed at 26.
Mariah Wiggs, a FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication alumna and host
of “Day to Day with Mariah” on WHNT News 19 in Huntsville, Alabama. (Photo courtesy
of Mariah Wiggs)
In October 2025, Wiggs discovered a lump in her right breast and sought medical evaluation. After undergoing an ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy, she was diagnosed the following month with invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Her treatment included a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. Despite unexpected challenges, Wiggs reached significant milestones in her recovery, completing chemotherapy in June and radiation in August 2026.
Family and friends support breast cancer survivor Mariah Wiggs during a treatment
visit. Wiggs underwent chemotherapy and radiation following her diagnosis at age 26.
(Photo courtesy of Mariah Wiggs)
“Being diagnosed with breast cancer at 26 years old was never a chapter I imagined writing in my life’s story,” Wiggs said. “But as a survivor, I choose to let the lessons, relationships, and scars gained from my fight lay the foundation for every chapter ahead.”
Throughout treatment, Wiggs continued appearing on television daily. As chemotherapy began affecting her appearance, she struggled with feeling comfortable on camera.
Mariah Wiggs, a FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication alumna and breast
cancer survivor, celebrates a treatment milestone with loved ones while holding flowers.
(Photo courtesy of Mariah Wiggs)
She credits her family, fellow survivors and viewers for helping her navigate those challenges and encouraging her to keep going.
Now, Wiggs hopes her experience will inspire young adults to become more informed about breast health and advocate for themselves.
“If you see something, say something. Young or old – don’t wait,” she said.
Wiggs' message reinforces the importance of initiatives such as the Breastology Tour.
“Be comfortable with your body and know what ‘normal’ feels like to you,” Wiggs said. “Never be afraid to ask questions and take a doctor's recommendation seriously.”
For Fuller, engaging FAMU students in these conversations is an important step toward establishing lifelong health awareness.
“It means a lot to see FAMU students engaged in this conversation because awareness is really the first step toward change,” she said. “College is when many people start building habits they’ll carry into adulthood, so learning about early detection, breast health, and self-advocacy now can make a real difference later.”
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
