First Lady’s 5th Annual Wellness Walk Draws Record Attendance for Cancer Awareness
Annual event brings together students, cancer survivors and the Baltimore community for an evening of awareness, celebration and support.
BALTIMORE — Coppin State University celebrated the largest turnout in the history of its annual Wellness Walk on Tuesday, October 13, as students, faculty, staff, alumni, cancer survivors and community members gathered for an evening dedicated to cancer awareness, early detection and community wellness.
Hosted by First Lady Toinette Jenkins and President Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D., the 5th Annual Wellness Walk transformed the Physical Education Complex (PEC) Concourse into a Western-inspired celebration under the theme “Boots on the Ground.”
Participants arrived wearing pink, cowboy boots, hats and Western attire, embracing the event’s festive atmosphere while showing support for individuals and families impacted by cancer.
“We’re doing it to help support survivors. We’re remembering those we’ve lost, and we’re also honoring ourselves to remember to stay in tune to our bodies and know our family histories. It’s very important,” said First Lady Toinette Jenkins during an interview with WMAR-2 News.
The evening featured music, dinner, prizes, community engagement and the signature Awareness Trailride, bringing participants together in a spirited demonstration of unity and support. Throughout the celebration, attendees connected with one another, honored cancer survivors and reflected on the importance of preventive health care.
This year’s message, “Women & Men: Stronger Together,” reinforced the importance of encouraging everyone to take an active role in cancer awareness, early detection and supporting loved ones facing a diagnosis.
The event also highlighted Coppin’s partnership with the Baltimore City Cancer Program and the importance of connecting community members with cancer education, screening information and support resources.
Now in its fifth year, the Wellness Walk has grown into a signature university tradition that extends Coppin’s commitment to community wellness beyond the classroom. This year’s record attendance reflects the event’s growing impact and the importance of creating spaces where education, awareness and community engagement come together.
As Baltimore’s hometown university, Coppin State remains committed to building partnerships and supporting initiatives that improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
The celebration also attracted local media attention, including coverage from WMAR-2 News, which highlighted the importance of early detection, family health history and community support.
