Did you know that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month? If you have seen people wearing gold or seen the gold ribbon often this month, that is why! This issue is unfortunately very prevalent as “[e]ach year approximately 15,700 children under the age of 18 are diagnosed with cancer, and sadly 12 percent of those children will not survive. That means that today alone, in this country, approximately 43 children will be diagnosed,” according to the  On My Team 16 website. However, many Laurentians are involved in the fight against cancer.  

SLU Alumni Jordan Zapisek ’17, created a nonprofit organization that aids pediatric oncology patients and their families and caregivers by raising money through athletics. On My Team 16 operates just like a fantasy league for charity. Zapisek, a resident of Syracuse, New York, was inspired to create OMT16 because her younger brother, Jack Sheridan, was diagnosed with Leukemia in May of 2014.  

Zapisek’s testimony reads, “Through tremendous support and encouragement from family, friends, strangers, and the medical community, Jack was able to beat cancer after 3 ½ years of treatment. Jack went on to play college baseball and has since graduated from Le Moyne College; he is currently studying Health Law at Baylor in Waco, Texas. OMT16 strives to ensure no child feels alone in their fight against cancer. Every child will know they are a part of something bigger – part of a team focused on fighting and winning their battle together.”   

This Friday, SLU’s Volunteer Services is tabling in the Student Center for OMT16’s Cancer Aid for Resiliency and Empowerment fundraiser and is partnering with SLU Letters of Love to write and decorate letters to children currently in the fight. The CARE fundraiser is designed to help members of my community who are affected by cancer by giving them “care packages made with love.” These CARE baskets are designed to be given to someone when they are first diagnosed with cancer.  This program was created by OMT16 Volunteer Ellie Sommers in memory of her father, Tom Sommers, who passed away on May 12, 2015, a mere nine months after his initial diagnosis of Pancreatic cancer, according to the OMT16 website. These baskets include items such as department stores, gift cards for local restaurants and gas station, healthy snacks and beverages, inspirational signs, journals/books, comfort items (blanket/stuffed animal), games, movies, and more!   

Join the fight this Laurentian Weekend and stop by the CARE fundraising table on the 1st floor of the Student Center from 12-5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22! There will be a raffle for a SLU merchandise basket. To enter: decorate a card for a child in the hospital or donate to the fundraiser (1 ticket for $2 or three for $5)! 

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Donations can by sent to Ashlee Downing-Duke via Venmo @Ashlee-Downing