By Chelsea Reil
The Northeastern chapter of Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) is the newest student group on campus, promoting awareness and support for cancer survivors.
President of CAC, Emily Moray, said she plans to tackle new topics every month and will promote fundraisers for different strains of cancer that affect the Northeastern community. With guidelines set, Moray said starting CAC is just a small piece of the bigger picture.
“I have a strong interest in oncology and wanted a group on campus that I could join not just for my professional interests but also for community service,” she said.
Moray said she aspires to open a clinic for under-served women with breast cancer, uterine cancer and cervical cancer.
During the first CAC executive board meeting last Wednesday, Moray went over some of the general goals the group had organized since April and guidelines set up by the American Cancer Society (ACS).
“We want to eradicate cancer by 2015,” she said. “I know this goal is somewhat idealistic, but for a chapter to be successful it has to be idealistic.”
CAC was started in 2000 at the University of Illinois-Champaign and now has more than 300 chapters throughout the country.
The Northeastern executive board which is made up of 13 aspiring health care reformers ranging from sophomores to seniors.
Members said they are excited about promoting their group on campus. CAC has a number of events planned for the semester, including a lemonade stand Sept. 23 in the Curry Student Center Outdoor Quad to promote awareness about child cancer. Plans for October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, include guest speakers and events including NU Performing for the Cure, a performing arts event featuring various campus groups.
Michelle Audian, vice president for Northeastern’s CAC, said she hopes to get as many volunteers as possible.
“This is a good opportunity to volunteer, help people and get involved,” she said.
During the first two months of organizing, 70 people contacted the group with an interest in joining, Moray said. She said CSC is hoping to have good turnout at their first meeting and a group with strong emphasis on community service.
Colleen Gerrity, chair of the cancer education committee for CAC, said she believes cancer education and awareness are the beginning stages in the progression for a cure.
“Everything that is going to happen with cancer will come from education,” Gerrity said.
In addition to working with the American Cancer Society, the Relay for Life committee will be assembling a team for Northeastern. Relay for Life works closely in educating the public by camping out on a high school or college track field according to it’s website. Each member of the Relay for Life team takes turns individually walking the track over a 24-hour span.
Spencer Manasse, chair of advocacy for Northeastern’s CAC, said he believes students care about cancer issues and CAC can help them express their beliefs.
“I want to help Northeastern students have a voice and have that voice be heard,” he said. “A lot of kids are in support of various cancer legislation but have no means of making a difference.”
Nanyamka Hales, the group’s ACS advisor, said she believes these students can do good in the world and in the Northeastern community.
“Definitely CAC makes a difference,” she said. “We’ve seen it across Massachusetts and across the country. We know college students make a difference.”
