Elizabethtown College has many STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)-related clubs and organizations. Recently, I discussed the Women in STEM club and its values to women currently majoring in STEM fields. Nonetheless, Etown’s science-based organizations take care to bring awareness to our community, as well as to those struggling with illness or cancer. Etown’s Colleges Against Cancer club is an increasingly growing organization centered around fundraising and support for cancer patients or those who have dealt with cancer in the past.
Students who have personal experience with cancer, have experienced cancer within their families or know others who have struggled with cancer can find a solid support system at Etown. Members can attend monthly chapter meetings and participate in fundraising for cancer patients.
Additionally, Etown’s Relay for Life plays a crucial part in the organization’s yearly fundraising attempts. An exceptionally large event that brings countless students together in a positive way, Relay for Life occurs in February and all students are welcome to join.
Prior to registration, students are encouraged to raise money online, through social media, from family or in their own homes to donate to the cause. However, Relay for Life is entirely volunteer-based, allowing each student to contribute to the organization regardless of whether they choose to participate financially.
Colleges Against Cancer’s annual Relay for Life event includes games like volleyball, Kan Jam, SpikeBall, and even a cornhole tournament. An inflatable obstacle course was a large part of the event, which led to some intense competition between friends. A few students even made the brave decision to have an impromptu haircut, donating at least eight inches of their own hair to make wigs for cancer patients going through chemotherapy.
At this year’s event, I was given a chance to speak about my own family’s history with cancer, which was an emotional experience. Sharing my personal experience of cancer with my peers, people who showed up at such a charitable and beneficial event to serve their community, was inspiring and heartwarming. I was so thankful to have the chance to speak and volunteer with my peers, as well as to hear members of the community speak out about their experiences and life lessons.
Overall, Etown’s Colleges Against Cancer organization is a tremendous way to become involved in one’s community. It serves as a way in which students and faculty members can volunteer, raise money and cooperate with other members of the community in a positive way. Community outreach is such a valuable part of college, one that will always be relevant in today’s society.
