The Iota Omicron chapter of Sigma Chi kicked off their Derby Days fundraising and awareness on October 24, 2019 with talking to students at tables in the WIU University Union lobby. The chapter sold customized pink wristbands that promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At the conclusion of Derby Days the proceeds raised today will be donated to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
Derby Days Creates Awareness for Huntsman Cancer at WIU
Ty Karsgaard is the chapter's Philanthropy Chairman and has been working hard all semester ensuring the chapter gets the Macomb and Western Illinois University community informed and invested in the Huntsman Cancer Foundation’s cause. The chapter's goal for this Derby Days event is to raise more than $4,000.
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is a nationally recognized research center and treatment hospital in Salt Lake City. Significant Sig Jon Huntsman and his family started Huntsman Cancer Foundation in 1995 to ensure the future of cutting-edge research.
Chapter members Dominic Benegas and Manny Luna III visited the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) during the previous summer. Their first-hand experience at HCI was very helpful as the chapter members engaged other Western Illinois University students and asked for their support.
WIU Alumni Can Help Stop Cancer
In the United States, approximately 40 out of 100 men and 38 out of 100 women will develop cancer in their lifetimes. This year, 1,735,350 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States.
In addition, the Western Illinois University Sigma Chi chapter is asking that any alumnus who has experience with Huntsman, Derby Days, cancer or cancer research contact Ty. He would like to help the chapter and WIU students see how much their support helps.
