Throughout February, Universities Against Cancer, an organization dedicated to improving the day-to-day lives of cancer patients, is running a program to promote awareness and raise funds.
“Our mission is promoting the health and wellness of those that are affected by cancer through financial assistance and education,” said Lucas Ealy, a sophomore majoring in political science and the president and founder of the UA Universities Against Cancer student chapter.
UAC works mostly within West Alabama. Currently, it provides gas cards to help patients access cancer treatment. Ealy said the organization is working to provide comfort care kits through Whitfield Hospital and Druid City Hospital as well as to start a scholarship for incoming UA freshmen who have been closely impacted by cancer.
“I know a lot of different classmates and friends here that have lost parents, and it’s something that I think a lot of us can unite behind,” Ealy said.
Ealy said he was inspired to found Universities Against Cancer by the impact cancer had on his family and the work of his loved ones in similar organizations in other regions.
“There’s so many organizations that focus on research, which is crucial, but we want to focus on that day-to-day,” Ealy said. “We really want to ensure that people actively undergoing that fight have the resources to succeed.”
Saturday began a month-long Venmo for Victory campaign, in which students are encouraged to use Venmo to donate to Universities Against Cancer @univagainstcancer. Any students involved in Greek life can receive a Greek point for participating in the Venmo for Victory on Tuesday.
“We have a couple event partnerships with Theta Chi, a fraternity here on campus, doing a Pie-a-Brother and a Charity Game Night with them at their house,” Ealy said.
Universities Against Cancer has also partnered with the SGA for a Pledge for Cancer awareness event. Students can sign an awareness pledge for a Capstone Wellness Explorer point and pick up free merchandise.
“Students can also bring coloring books to the event that will be donated to pediatric cancer patients in West Alabama,” said Hannon Bulger, a sophomore senator for the College of Human Environmental Sciences.
Alpha Omicron Pi has agreed to donate leftover roses from a fundraiser it will be having to Universities Against Cancer.
“We have a whole social media campaign that will go out every week, sharing information, statistics, facts, how to get involved with us as well as some updates and programs that we are currently working on,” Ealy said.
The organization hosts events most months, monthly meetings and volunteering opportunities.
More than events and meetings, Ealy said the easiest and most important way students can get involved is by sharing information posted by Universities Against Cancer and following the organization on Instagram. He added that the statistics and facts posted to the group’s social media could help inform someone who may need that information later.
“February is going to be a big month,” Ealy said. “We really hope to encourage a lot of students to get out there through different partnerships.”
