Colleges Against Cancer Earns President’s Service Award

Colleges Against Cancer received this year’s President’s Service Award from Dr. Lewis E. Thayne during the annual Symposium on Inclusive Excellence. 

The student organization, perhaps known best for its Relay for Life event, has raised more than $400,000 for the American Cancer Society since 2008. The 2016 Relay for Life raised nearly $42,000 with more than 500 students in attendance. The 24-hour event provides survivor stories, financial support, and educational awareness to the LVC and area community.

Along with Relay for Life, Colleges Against Cancer organizes Breast Cancer Awareness Week in October to educate the campus on prevention and education and raise funds for donation. 

This year, group members also completed service off campus at Hope Lodge, based in Hershey near the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Hope Lodge provides cancer patients and their families a place to stay while receiving treatment.

With more than 65 members, the group is split into five different committees: Cancer Education, Advocacy, Survivorship, Relay for Life, and Publicity. 

The group was even recognized by the American Cancer Society’s South Central Region office. “The American Cancer Society appreciates everything that Colleges Against Cancer does to spread cancer awareness on the campus of Lebanon Valley College. They are our voice to the younger generation to educate each other and their friends and family about cancer and where survivors and caregivers can get help.”