The CAC program brings together more than 175 colleges and universities to bring American Cancer Society programs and services to college communities nationwide. College students, faculty, and staff work together to help fight cancer through grassroots advocacy; prevention and early detection education; Relay For Life; and activities honoring cancer survivors.

Two of the Colleges Against Cancer chapters in the Great Lakes Division are Purdue University and Grand Valley State University (GVSU). These chapters are active throughout the school year with events such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Relay For Life. This November, the students are spreading the word about the Great American Smokeout, which challenges people to stop using tobacco.

Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
Purdue’s Colleges Against Cancer chapter has been active for five years and has about 90 students involved this year. Donna Morgan, the Purdue CAC president, has been involved with the group since her freshman year and enjoys the diverse group of students.

"You get so many different kinds of people since cancer affects everyone. If you’re going to do some kind of charity work or try to improve awareness about something, cancer is a really great topic to be passionate about."

The chapter is planning on a 5K run/walk to take place on campus on Sunday, November 18. The event, called "Save a Lung, Kick a Butt", will feature facts along the course to show the benefits of quitting smoking over time. For example, your heart rate and blood pressure drops just 20 minutes after quitting, and after 15 years, the risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker's. The Purdue CAC hopes to have as many as 100 participants at the event.

Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan
Grand Valley State University’s Colleges Against Cancer chapter grew out of an existing cancer awareness student group two years ago and currently has around 55 students involved.

The chapter is planning several activities for this year’s Great American Smokeout, starting with a chalking campaign. This involves chalking a line 25 feet from public buildings to demonstrate how new ordinances coming out soon will protect people from secondhand smoke, and chalking outlines of bodies with lung cancer facts inside to catch the attention of passersby.

Students will also hand out quit kits that include information about smoking and cancer risk from the American Cancer Society, and hopes to persuade a popular local hangout to increase its weekly smokefree night to more than once a week.

Jonathan Dickinson, mission chair for the CAC chapter at GVSU, enjoys promoting cancer awareness with fellow students.

"When you’re fighting for a cause, you become close friends. It’s so genuine and you make lasting friendships."

To get involved with Colleges Against Cancer, call your American Cancer Society today at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Pictured: Purdue students participate in "Pink Out" activities during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (top right)