According to the American Cancer Society, one in three Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in his or her lifetime. This year, about 565,650 will be diagnosed with cancer and 1,500 will die each day. The statistics are alarming, and they are increasing in number.
While the risk of cancer does increase with age, anyone can be diagnosed with the disease. Of course, genetics and individual health decisions can determine one's risk of getting the disease.
With numbers this high, it's no surprise that the disease has affected many people, either directly or indirectly. Because they are moved by the stories of cancer struggles and hardships patients face, many individuals are jumping on the bandwagon, in an attempt to raise awareness.
At Bloomsburg University, the Colleges Against Cancer organization works hard to do just that. The organization works closely with the American Cancer Society to organize events to educate students about cancer and help them make healthy choices in order to prevent cancer.
"We are a student-run organization and has various fundraisers throughout the year," said Vice President and Survivorship Chair Whitney Smith.
The next event hosted by Colleges Against Cancer is the second-annual dodgeball tournament, held on February 27. CAC is looking for groups of five to seven to compete in the tournament, which begins at 11 a.m. at the Rec Center. It's $30 if you register in advance and $35 if you sign up day of.
"All of the money we make gets donated to Relay for Life," adds Smith.
Relay for Life is the largest event held by Colleges Against Cancer. It is an annual event held at BU. This year, the event will take place on March 26-27 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. at the Rec Center.
According to Smith, the event is like a big party and it's a lot of fun. To kick off the event, there is a survivor dinner to honor and celebrate all of the survivors. "At 7 begins the kick-off where we start the events," said Smith. "Through the night we will have fundraisers, live music, a DJ, contests, and all kinds of things." Interested participants can register at www.relayforlife.org/pabloomu or contact the group at bloomcac@gmail.com with questions.
Leading up to Relay for Life, The Voice will be featuring personal stories of students who have battled cancer to bring the issue close to home.
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