Pi Omega Chapter Danville Area Community College Written by Hope Albin

Cancer is a journey far too many people must make. It has its ups and downs, its moments of defeat, and those victorious moments that show just how much can be overcome. Cancer has its mountaintop experiences. It teaches us an appreciation for the simple things in life. It makes it nearly impossible to take good days for granted. However, it also has its valleys. During chemotherapy, people see a darker side of life. Days of pain, depression, and feelings of defeat become far too familiar. This year, our chapter continued the long journey of fighting for a cure. We diligently raised needed funding. We volunteered our time, money, and talents. We made great efforts towards prevention, awareness, and early detection. All of these are crucial in destroying this terrible disease.

Our activities highlighted our dedication. In early October, we participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night walk, 40 miles away. We raised money for research on blood-related cancers. We issued a Regional challenge, urging all Illinois chapters to join us or attend their own Light the Night walk. At the event, we heard heartbreaking and heroic tales of courage and met a young lymphoma survivor who inspired us.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we ran articles in the college newsletter about prevention and early detection.On National Mammogram Day, we made pink ribbons to raise awareness, attached them to informational sheets about breast cancer, and distributed them to all campus mailboxes. We wore our ribbons proudly. That night at our Induction, a pink ribbon accompanied each program. We asked everyone to stand. Those who had cancer were asked to be seated. Next, those who had a spouse with cancer could sit. We sequentially asked who had parents, children, grandparents, or any relatives who battled cancer. Most of the room sat. Finally, we asked who knew someone who had been touched by cancer. All were now seated. At the reception, we accepted donations for the American Cancer Society.

As Regional President, we hosted our Regional Convention in October- a journey in itself. Faculty Scholar Johnna Atkinson-Bigelow reprised her dramatization about cancer that debuted at the International Convention. Her riveting performance led into a panel discussion with four survivors, including our friend from Light the Night. They shared their stories to teach us to become more compassionate and supportive to those battling cancer. Our panelists were advocates for those currently fighting cancer or whose lives are changed by it. The response was so overwhelming that the discussion ran over by almost an hour. We followed immediately with representatives from the American Cancer Society and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society discussing volunteer opportunities and distributing literature.
 

In November, we made more strides, observing the Great American Smokeout. Members staffed a table in our Student Union for four hours, supplying "survival kits" to help smokers stay smoke-free for the day. Kits included candy, gum, toys, and information on harmful effects of smoking and benefits of quitting. Our display featured two real human lungs—one with severe emphysema and one with lung cancer. A three-dimensional display from the Respiratory Care program graphically depicted damage from smoking.

We held a talent show entitled "Raise Your Voice" to raise money and inform the public of the growing cancer epidemic. Numerous musical and dramatic acts were featured. One especially moving performance involved a community member’s interpretive dance and description of her second battle with and victory over cancer. Her spirit refused to be beaten, and it moved us all.

Last May, our chapter entered a team in Relay for Life. Our advance fundraisers got our message out in a fun way. During Kiss for a Cure, students bought votes for the DACC dignitary they most wanted to see kiss a pig. Later, a 4-foot stuffed flamingo named Phiona, bedecked in a Relay T-shirt, flower lei, and peace sign necklace, traveled through campus offices, beginning at the President's. She carried a letter informing the recipient about Relay for Life and stated that if the person made a donation, she would gladly move on. With a larger donation, the recipient could decide where she went. If they did not donate, however, Phiona stayed awhile to remind them of the importance of our mission. She ultimately joined us at our Relay campsite. Our Pirates of the Caribbean theme was "Bring home the gold (cure)." We claimed first place for best campsite and dinner competition and third place for Team Spirit.

Pi Omega is already involved in organizing this year’s Relay, with several fundraisers planned. Various members serve on the Steering Committee and hold these positions:

Recruitment Chair,  Publicity Chair,  Luminary Chair, and  Logistics Chair.  Because Relay falls during finals, limiting participation, one member vows to spend all 16 hours on the track to represent us and increase media attention.

Some members also participate in Project Cancer Research: Screensaver Lifesaver. This landmark project allows us to volunteer our PCs via the Internet to process molecular research. A software program runs in the background analyzing molecules that might lead to effective cancer treatments. This is the largest computational chemistry project ever undertaken and offers genuine hope of finding a better way to fight cancer. To date, Pi Omega has contributed over 2 years of actual computational research hours.

In addition to our fight against cancer, we participated in other worthy causes. Our College President joined us for Adopt-a-Highway. Members volunteered as Spot Less, the giant Dalmatian mascot for Keep Vermilion County Beautiful. The costume provides a fun way to teach kids about the harmful effects of littering. We painted a neighborhood house for a low-income family, working alongside college administrators through HALO Project. Members volunteer in Big Brothers Big Sisters school-based mentoring program and we participate in their biggest fundraiser- Bowl for Kids' Sake.

At the holidays, we count blessings and feel it is imperative to help others. We helped with Festival of Trees, featuring decorated trees and wreaths, gingerbread houses, and Christmas food. Proceeds support many organizations. Members helped with set-up, ticket sales, bake sales, children's tours, and cleanup. Some dressed as characters; all caught the holiday spirit. Pi Omega contributed to Operation Santa by donating personal items for women in the domestic violence shelter, and we rang bells for the Salvation Army.

To cap the holiday season, our community held its first "First Night" celebration, a family-friendly, alcohol-free event spotlighting the arts. Organizers sought our participation on the planning committee and we were involved from July through the event. Members volunteered at the event, taking tickets or providing crowd control, or attended the festivities. We have already been invited back to the table to plan this year's event.

Through these fun activities, we have not lost our true path. While a cure for cancer seems far beyond the horizon to those living the daily routine of the disease, every day draws us closer to the end. As long as people stay dedicated to the cause and refuse to give up, a cure will be found. Thanks to researchers, scientists, and supporters, there is hope. Pi Omega shall continue to volunteer our money, resources, time, and hearts. Our efforts have made an impact in the community. We have not only raised money locally, we have greatly increased the knowledge and awareness of people around us. Our early-detection information may prevent someone making this difficult journey. Our efforts may lead to a cure. In the meantime, we will keep pushing forward, one step at a time.