UMA to sponsor 'Learn for the Cure' breast cancer initiative

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) will be sponsoring a "Learn for the Cure" initiative, which will take place October 17-23, 2011. The week-long campaign is intended to promote awareness and early detection of breast cancer, while contributing funds toward breast cancer research.

UMA provides healthcare programs on two campuses in the Tampa Bay area, as well as through an online campus that is accessible to students nationwide. The "Learn for the Cure" event consists of several different elements and is open to all students currently enrolled in a UMA diploma or degree program, whether they are taking ground-based courses in Tampa or Clearwater or participating in online healthcare programs.

For every student who completes all weekly assignments, discussions and assessments between October 17 and 23, UMA will donate $1 toward breast cancer research. The goal is to raise a minimum of $5,000 through this learning-based initiative; however, the total donation may be even higher depending on student participation.

Students, graduates and friends of UMA can also help raise funds for breast cancer research via social networking. Facebook users are invited to share their stories on the UMA Facebook page by submitting a Wall post about their personal experiences with breast cancer - whether it's a tribute to a loved one who battled the illness, an inspirational survivor tale or a story of how early detection saved a life. For every "Like" each story gets during the week of October 17-23, UMA will donate $1 toward research for a cure.

To further increase awareness and encourage student involvement, UMA will be handing out custom "Learn for the Cure" silicone wristbands to students on the Tampa and Clearwater campuses to kick off the week-long campaign.

"Ultimate Medical Academy has a reputation for providing students with a solid foundation that will serve them well as they enter and advance within the healthcare field. Their comprehensive healthcare education is enhanced by many industry-relevant experiences, both within and outside of the classroom," said Silvina U. Lamoureux, Campus Director of UMA Tampa. "National Breast Cancer Awareness Month allows us the opportunity to focus students' attention on one of the most important challenges facing the medical community today. UMA's 'Learn for the Cure' initiative is not only intended to generate awareness, but also to give students an opportunity to be part of the solution through our contributions to breast cancer research."

SOURCE Ultimate Medical Academy