Rather than competing for a cash prize or a trophy, UB students will be bowling for something more: boobs. UB Against Cancer (UBAC) is sponsoring a fundraiser called Bowling For Boobs on Tuesday in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The event aims to help raise $100,000 for the group's signature event, Relay For Life, which will be held in April.
"Through programs such as Relay For Life and our smaller fundraisers, we are hoping to eliminate cancer in our lifetime," said Julie Smith, staff advisor for UB Against Cancer.
More cleverly titled fundraisers, such as "Protect Your Balls Dodge Ball Tournament for Testicular Cancer" and "Great American Smokeout for Lung Cancer," are also planned for November.
"We all know someone who has been affected by cancer," Smith said. "I am not a doctor or a researcher, so I fundraise for the cause."
Last year, the Relay For Life drew in 1,800 students and raised just under $70,000, according to Quinten Hall-Lochmann Van Bennekom, a senior sociology major and vice-president of the chapter.
"I love being part of a group that gives back so much," said Andrea Fadel, a junior exercise science major and secretary for UBAC. "It is a great feeling to be thanked for doing something so important when you are fundraising."
In order to achieve their relay goal of $100,000, committee members are also selling a variety of items, including "Save the Tatas" and "WTF (Win The Fight)" T-shirts, "Save Second Base baseball shirts," and yoga pants.
Jennifer Rose, the manager of Campus Tees, has agreed to help with sales.
Because cancer is such a widespread disease affecting millions of families, UBAC focuses on promoting cancer education, awareness, survivorship, and advocacy for the American Cancer Society among UB's student body.
"Cancer's occurrence has increased rapidly, and there are still many types of cancer that don't even have treatments," said Merlyn Vilma, a senior chemistry major and president of UBAC.
The probability of developing cancer in the United States is 44 percent for men and 38 percent for women, according to the American Cancer Society.
"I hate to see anyone go through the traumatic experience that comes with this disease," said Stefanie Scanlon, a senior math major and treasurer of UBAC. "The only way I can prevent it right now is to fund research for a cure and for patient support."
Researchers from the University of Texas estimate that by 2030, the number of new cancer cases diagnosed will increase by 45 percent.
"UBAC, for me, is an opportunity to join in the fight against cancer," Vilma said. "Maybe I will be the next scientist to make a groundbreaking discovery toward a cure. Corny, but anything is possible."
Email: news@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Mitchell Kish
