By the end of 2016, there will be an estimated 1,685,210 new cancer diagnosis and 595,690 cancer-related deaths in the United States. The American Cancer Society raises money year round to help families who have members fighting for their lives.

Shippensburg University students have the ability to help this cause by joining Colleges Against Cancer (CAC). CAC coordinates yearly with the American Cancer Society to help organize Relay for Life.

Rich Carroll, staff partner of the American Cancer Society, plays a major role in assisting the students.

CAC meets every Monday night in Ceddia Union Building (CUB) Room 104 at 9:30 p.m. At these meetings, the club comes up with fundraisers to help increase the amount of money that is raised for their main event, Relay for Life, while also thinking of companies in the community that will donate either prizes, food or money.

Although the club is small in numbers, the members would like to raise more awareness of their existence by recruiting new members and help get their name and goals out to students.

They have weekly tables in the CUB Great Hall where members promote the club and event through the selling of T-shirts, minute-to-win-it games and having Relay for Life registration.

CAC president Alyson Poorbaugh has been in charge of the club’s activities for a year and a half, but with graduation approaching, she is handing the position over to current vice president Jason Greenspan in the spring.

Greenspan, a junior majoring in marketing, joined the club the minute he came to SU.

Greenspan is a testicular cancer survivor and his own personal experience with the disease influenced his decision to join the club.

“Being a testicular cancer survivor motivated me to make a difference and join this club,” Greenspan said. “I contacted the president of the club at the time and explained my situation and she got me involved as soon as possible.”

CAC holds multiple events throughout the year including 5Ks, Relay for Life, Breastival, Great American Smokeout and Relay kickoff events.

Relay for Life will take place this spring April 7–8 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Clubs and organizations, such as fraternities, sororities and other student groups are to attend the event.

Last year, Shippensburg University raised about $39,000 for the American Cancer Society. Throughout the night, various activities took place such as Mr. Relay, a Shippensburg Dance Troupe performance and various student performances.

Luminarias are also available for purchase at the event. These are bags that are dedicated to individuals who have passed away from cancer. The bags get lined up along the upstairs track and are lit up during the luminaria lap. It is a very emotional time, but one that allows individuals to remember loved ones. The event invites various survivors from all over the region to celebrate the fight that they fought against cancer. Inside the dance studio room, there is a survivor lounge set up where these individuals and their families can relax, eat food and be able to participate in the event throughout the night.

Pam Ranson, administrative chair for CAC, spoke on why she relays.

“During my freshman year of college, my aunt was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It was an awful battle but she came out on top. This encouraged me to help raise money for the disease that many individuals fight against daily,” Ranson said. “Becoming involved in Relay for Life has changed my perspective on what giving back to the community means. Come graduation in May, I will miss Colleges Against Cancer the most from Shippensburg.”

“Cancer has had a huge impact on my family in the past few years,” social media chair Anna Clark said. “Being able to contribute to an amazing event allows me to be able to give back and help the fight against cancer.”

As of Wednesday Nov. 30, there were already 14 teams and 64 participants registered for the spring 2017 relay. The event has also raised over $600 currently this year.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Colleges Against Cancer, email shipurelay@gmail.com for more information. Visit www.relayforlife.com to register for Relay for Life.

Share