By Gabby Carlson
Colleges Against Cancer is projected to bring a chapter to Taylor University in the next few months. Junior David Ferguson will be the president of the club and is currently searching for cabinet members. This club will focus on fundraising, advocacy and creating awareness on campus.
The goal of Colleges Against Cancer is for those involved to support the programs of the American Cancer Society and raise awareness, at Taylor and in the community, about things that can greatly affect a patient's medical journey, according to Bryan Hannon, Indiana government relations director.
Ferguson was involved in Colleges Against Cancer at his previous institution, Georgia Tech. He believes many students would be interested in taking part in this club because of just how many people are affected by cancer.
"Part of Taylor University's mission, from what I understand, is to develop student leaders, who have a passion to minister Christ's redemptive love and truth to a world in need," Ferguson said. "I believe serving those with illness is creating a platform to serve those on campus and in the community. I believe this would serve the platform for us to become more engaged globally with efforts to fight cancer."
A club must have a minimum of 10 members to be considered by the university and some have already expressed interest in joining. Ferguson is optimistic that if a full cabinet of solid, motivated and passionate group of individuals is complete by December, fundraisers such as Relay For Life could be held in late April or early May of next year.
Relay for Life is a big fundraiser held by Colleges Against Cancer. This is the American Cancer Society's largest event, spanning 47 states and 29 countries, according the the American Cancer Society website.
This race spans 6-24 hours and is made up of fundraising teams at the institution where it is held. At least one member of each team must be on the track at all times, to signify cancer never sleeps, and for one night, neither do those fighting to eradicate it.
Colleges Against Cancer can be composed of students, faculty, staff and community members who are passionate about cancer research and learning more about what the community can do. The club will also participate in quite a few fundraiser efforts for patients with cancer.
"The Relay for Life, if we are able to host the event, it will be an event primarily for Taylor's community, but it will also be for the Upland community to support and be a part of," Ferguson said.
Being a club member will involve about a three-hour commitment every week, spending an hour or two in a meeting and an hour or two working on various projects assigned to different individuals.
Whether you are interested in being a member with weekly commitments or willing to aid in fundraising efforts down the line, the budding Colleges Against Cancer chapter at Taylor University appreciates support in any way given.
Contact Joshua Ferguson with any further questions on how to get involved. joshua_ferguson@taylor.edu
