UA students join fight against cancer

By: Jessica Burk

Posted: 4/21/08

UA Students join the Fight against Breast Cancer

It is estimated that 178,480 new cases of breast cancer will occur among women in the United States. About 40,460 of those women will die from breast cancer, according to the Susan G. Komen Web site. That's 178,480 grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters and aunts that will be affected.

This year, as an effort to raise awareness and funding for breast cancer research, 15,337 men, women and children participated in the 10th annual Komen Ozark Race For The Cure', according to the Web site. UA students also did their part to help. Residents' Interhall Congress and Gamma Eta are two of the UA organizations that formed teams to raised money for the cause.

Gamma Eta formed a team called 'The Hot Tamales', according to Gamma Eta's Philanthropy Chair Rachel Findley.

"Breast cancer is our national philanthropy. It affected one of the founding members. Her mother had it I think. That's why they made it the national philanthropy," Findley said.

Findley also said that Gamma Eta has been participating in race for the cure for a few years and they have raised about $ 800 online.

"I think that's really awesome and we can raise a lot of money that way," she said.

"[RIC ] created a team that consisted of 20 individuals. This is a great event for RIC," said Phillip Turner, RIC programs director and former vice president.

People are able to donate even if they don't participate in the race by being part of 'Sleep-In for the Cure.'

"The point in Sleep-In for the Cure is so people don't have to run, but the money still goes to breast cancer [research]," Turner said.

RIC paid $410 for 18 runners and 2 sleepers, Turner said. While runners pay a $20 entrance fee, sleepers pay $25, according to the Ozark Affiliate Web site.

"RIC paid the $20 for the sleepers and the individuals paid $5," Turner said.

Last year, RIC senator Eric May passed the bill to participate in Race for the Cure because a lot of on-campus students were interested in participating, but couldn't because their hall senate couldn't afford to support them, he said.

"[The event] was such a huge success that I decided to carry on this year."

This year's Race for the Cure was also a success, Turner said. RIC's top runner was Steve Clement. He ran the 3.2 miles in 18 minutes and 5 seconds.

Some of the resident halls also formed teams to participate in the race.

"Humphreys is one of the halls that have a team. On-campus students really did show concern for breast cancer this year," Turner said.

Since their national philanthropy is breast cancer, Gamma Eta is supporting the cause in several other ways than by participating in Race for the Cure, Findley said.

"We also help out at the breast cancer home. The Spanish speakers do translations for the women who get mammograms," she said.

The Cancer Support Home is a home-like facility for cancer patients and their families. There are two locations; one in Bentonville and one in Fayetteville. The home helps people cope with cancer by offering classes and seminars, as well as counseling for children and support groups, according to the Washington Regional Web site.

Gamma Eta also hosts an annual Pink Party.

"The next one is this coming Friday at Toothpicks [Restaurant]. It's called 'roll out the pink carpet.' We encourage everyone to wear pink. It's a ?$5 cover charge [and] all proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen foundation," Findley said. "Typically we raise around $600 to $800 and that's just with our pink party. I'm hoping we'll make close to double this year."

Gamma Eta also gives talks on campus and distributes instructions for breast-self exams. "Raising the money is awesome, but I think educating people is the most important thing," Findley said. "You'd be surprised how many people don't know [about breast cancer]."

Women don't always take care of themselves like they should, especially if they are mothers or just really busy. One thing I find interesting is that all it takes is being a woman and getting older for your risk to increase. Everyone knows somebody who has breast cancer. It's your mother and your sister who it happens to," she said.