Two luminaries memorialize family members lost to cancer at a Relay for Life event. Photo by Jamie McGirt | The Appalachian

In its third year at Appalachian State University, the CAC club has made an impact in cancer awareness and research on campus.

“American Cancer Society CAC 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,” according to cancer.org.

“It is really because we have had really great leadership,” Amelia J. Adams, sophomore public relations and corporate sponsor co-chair for  CAC said. “[Club president Hayley B. Arning] was really excited to get the club growing because it affects so many people. Cancer is not exclusive and everyone feels that they can come together and help.”

Some major differences in the club this year compared to previous years, are that the 20-member club has now grown to 50 members and $25,000 raised last year in comparison to over $41,000 this year, Arning, senior accounting major said.

“It’s a club that is fun and we truly make a difference,” Arning said. “Deaths by cancer go down every year, and with the American Cancer Society, you can see the money you raise going to work. You get to see first-hand what it can do.”

At this year’s Relay for Life, Appalachian participated against a competition in Western Carolina University to see who could raise the most amount of money.

“Western reported $29,300 as of Sunday, but the totals don’t come until the end of the fiscal year, July 31,” Arning said.

Sara Jane Fogarty, sophomore political science major, became involved with CAC her freshman year.  At the time her uncle was battling skin cancer.

“My family lost a lot from cancer, when I joined, my uncle was battling skin cancer,” Fogarty said. “After joining, I felt like it was the place I belonged.”

Following her uncle’s death from skin cancer, Fogarty wrote him a letter, promising to do all she could to fight cancer.

Fogarty currently serves as the clubs team recruitment and retention chair and will be president of the club next year.

“We have such a dedicated committee and we have so much fun, some of the people in the club really are my best friends,” she said.

CAC meets every Monday at 6:15 p.m. in Calloway Peak Room of Plemmons Student Union.

Story: MARY ELIZABETH ROBERTSON, Intern Lifestyles Reporter
Photo: JAMIE MCGIRT, Intern Photographer

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Show/hide comments