Club Profile: Colleges Against Cancer

By Katie Eissler

I sat down with seniors Courtney Small and Carolyn Perrotti, Co-Presidents of Gettysburg’s Chapter of “Colleges Against Cancer,” to get some more information regarding CAC and their presence on Gettysburg’s campus.
What are the goals of CAC?
CS: We want to educate the campus regarding the ways in which they can help the fight against cancer, such as through volunteering, advocacy and financial contributions.
CP: We raise funds and awareness for cancer research, education, patient services, and advocacy initiatives.
What are your main events during the year?
CS: Relay for Life is our biggest event, but we also host the “Pink Party” for Breast Cancer. This year we also started a Friendly’s Fundraiser and we had a great turnout!
CP: This year we are also branching out and hosting “Great American Health Challenge Activities” during “Health Week,” and speaking about Advocacy in political science classes. CAC and SAB are also hosting a second kickoff this semester in the Attic on Thursday, February 26th.
How many members do you have?
CS: We have about 50 members.
CP: 20 of them are executive members.
When and where do you meet?
CS: We meet on Wednesdays at 4:30 in McCreary 202.
CP: We also hold our executive board meetings on Sundays at 2pm.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
CS: Relay for Life being outside in the stadium! (Weather barring)
CP: RELAY! The club as a whole is very enthusiastic and dedicated! We have so many great, new ideas and I cannot wait to see everything come together.
As a group, what are your biggest strengths?
CS: I believe that our dedication to go above and beyond in order to help the fight against Cancer is our greatest strength.
CP: People are doing this because they care about the cause, therefore, we have a lot of motivation to work hard and to work together. Everyone is a team player and it makes all the hard work more enjoyable.
What has been your biggest struggle thus far?
CS: Our biggest struggle has been getting Relay for Life approved to be outside. But hopefully it won’t rain this year and we can actually hold the event outside!
CP: We have so many ideas and initiatives that I hope we can stay organized and accomplish everything that we want to!
What do you feel you contribute to Gettysburg College?
CS: I feel that we add to the sense of community that this school already offers so thoroughly. By getting so many students, faculty, and staff to participate in a common goal, it reaffirms the sense of community that we share at Gettysburg for a great cause that everyone has been affected by.
CP: So many people have been touched by cancer and this club gives students an opportunity to take up the fight.
Why should students join your club?
CS: Students should join CAC because we work so hard at this cause, but it always feels as though we are having fun doing it—we really enjoy making a difference.
CP: There are so many opportunities to be creative and start new activities within the “Colleges Against Cancer” club. I encourage all new members to take part in this worthwhile club.