Colleges Against Cancer

What is Colleges Against Cancer (CAC)?
Simply put, we are here to help eliminate cancer. We are here to celebrate life, share hope, and save lives. We use tools and our creativity to initiate and support programs of the American Cancer Society that will hopefully lead us to a cure.

The CAC mission statement American Cancer Society Colleges Against Cancer is a nationwide collaboration of college students, faculty, and staff dedicated to eliminating cancer by initiating and supporting programs of the American Cancer Society in college communities.
The program is designed to allow students and staff to work through many different channels to eliminate cancer. These channels are our strategic directions which are
– advocacy, cancer education, Relay For Life, and survivorship.

CANCER EDUCATION

The cancer education needs of the college community are different than of community volunteers. To address the difference, the CAC National Leadership Team will maintain an up-to-date knowledge of American Cancer Society cancer control, education, and prevention programs; help adapt those programs to the college environment; and, motivate local CollegesAgainst Cancer chapters to implement those activities.
Examples include:
– Breast cancer prevention strategies
– Anti-tobacco education
– Nutrition and lifestyle issue

ADVOCACY

Realizing the unique advocacy opportunities of the college community, the CAC National Leadership Team will maintain an up-to-date knowledge of American Cancer Society advocacy initiatives; help adapt those initiatives to the college environment; recommend those initiatives to local Colleges Against Cancer chapters; and, help
coordinate any nationwide advocacy efforts.
Examples include:
– Anti-tobacco initiatives (smoke-free campuses, Great American Smokeout®)
– Hosting a letter-writing party to state senators
–Circulating petitions about cancer-related legislation

SURVIVORSHIP

Men have a 1 in 2 chance of getting cancer in their lifetime, while women have a 1 in 3 chance. With these odds, it’s no surprise that many people are already involved with the American Cancer Society because they know someone who’s been diagnosed. Survivors are the people we’re fighting for, our hope and inspiration, and our reason to keep going. They’re a vital part of the CAC experience.
Examples include:
– Hosting a letter-writing party to state senators
– Visits to local hospital oncology units
– Sponsoring a Survivor Brunch
– Making dinner and dessert at a Hope Lodge
– Hosting a card-making party around the holidays and sending the cards to a pediatric cancer ward

RELAY FOR LIFE

Many students decide to become involved with CAC because of prior involvement with Relay For Life in their hometowns. It’s a great way to stay involved with the Society when you go away to college. Here are some other great Relay For Life-oriented events held by CAC chapters:

– Hosting a multi-college Relay (great if there are multiple colleges in an area)
– Participating in Paint The Campus Purple
– Fundraising for a local Relay on campus with a car wash
– Mentoring a “rookie” Relay to help it get started

2011 Relay for Life facts
Location= Held on UMKC's campus
Number of participants= over 500
Relay Total $= 44,000
number of survivors particpated= about 10
Rockhurst's relay webpage for this year= www.relayforlife.org/umkcmo

2012 RELAY FOR LIFE is on Friday, April 20th!
Rockhurst University hosting it's first race ever on campus this year!
Website for additional information: www.relayforlife.org/umkcmo

College Against Cancer Constitution (PDF)
College Against Cancer Advisor Form (PDF)

If you are interested in joining College Against Cancer, please fill out this form and return to Kimberely Patterson. Hope you can join!

Meeting Time and Location:

President:
Kim Patterson

Advisor:
Amy Foley

National Affiliation:
American Cancer Society