Colleges Against Cancer continues to raise cancer awareness and get students excited about this year’s Relay For Life in late March by hosting another “Pink Out” at Saturday’s basketball game against Northern Illinois University.
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Arts & Sciences senior Jessica Pittman is the Colleges Against Cancer vice president of public relations for Creighton. Pittman said she started getting involved with Relay For Life in high school and jumped at the chance to help out when she came to Creighton.
“It’s a 12-hour event that lasts overnight to symbolize a cancer patient’s journey and the struggles they face,” Pittman said. “It’s hard to stay awake through the night, similar to the struggle of experiencing chemo. And seeing the light of day at the end is symbolic to the hope that these patients have. Then at the end, we announce the amount of money that was raised. It’s truly an incredible experience.”
Colleges Against Cancer has set a goal to raise at least $75,000 for Creighton’s Relay in the High Plains Division.
Relay For Life and Pink Out events are important for Pittman because she has lost several family members to cancer, and has also had a few close friends diagnosed. Pittman said she feels honored she is able to give back and make a difference.
Colleges Against Cancer will use “Mission Moments” to educate Creighton’s Greek chapters about the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life, encouraging them to participate as well. Several Greek organizations already have teams.
“Being the part of the Tri Delta Relay For Life team gives me an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself, while at the same time supporting those people in my life who have been affected by cancer,” said Maggie Chapleau, an Arts & Sciences sophomore.
The theme for this year’s Relay For Life is “Superheroes.” The event will include volleyball games, a scavenger hunt and other activities for everyone to enjoy as they attempt to live through simulated cancer patient’s struggles.
“I am doing Relay For Life in support of my aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year,” said Megan Nicklaus, an Arts & Sciences sophomore. “While I have never participated in Relay For Life, I think the experience will be meaningful to give my time and money toward a greater cause which supports so many cancer patients.”
“So far we have 555 signed up,” Pittman said. “Our goal is to get about 900 people to participate, even though it is challenging to have both the Relay For Life, Little Jays Weekend and Project Homeless Connect on the same weekend.
“It’s a party with a purpose,” she added.
Students are able to sign up until the day before. To sign up for a T-shirt, they must raise $100 before spring break.
Interested students can contact Allison Corrigan or visit www.relayforlife.org/creighton/une