Cancer Center's run/walk challenge aims for awareness
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 04/04/2008
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Boilermakers don't back down from a challenge, which is why the Purdue Cancer Center is challenging students to join the fight against cancer.
The researchers and the rest of the center's staff have challenged Purdue students, faculty and the West Lafayette community to a five-mile run/walk.
"No matter who you are, your life will one day be touched by cancer," Paulette Moody, co-chair of the center's Challenge, wrote in an e-mail. "The only hope we have to fight this disease is through research and that research is being conducted right here."
The Cancer Center is located in the Hansen Life Sciences Research Building behind Lilly Hall. The center is one of only seven basic-research cancer centers in America with a National Cancer Institute designation.
In addition to its prestigious designation, the Purdue Cancer Center is also set apart from similar facilities by pulling researchers from all places, said Pam Faerber, a Purdue graduate and member of the board of directors for the center. There are 76 researchers at the center who represent six different colleges on campus.
Faerber, diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1994, said that while run/walks are always fun, they are also good at raising awareness. This, she emphasizes, is what the Purdue Cancer Center needs.
As the "idea lady" for the Challenge, Faerber said her goals are two-fold.
"It should create awareness among the students, community and alumni of the Cancer Center and create awareness of the various symptoms of cancers. Early detection is curable." Anticipation is high for the upcoming Challenge, which will mark the start of a new Purdue tradition.
Director of donor relations for the center, Beth Steurer, said, "We hope that this will be something that people will look forward to supporting and participating in each year."
One student involved with the planning of the Challenge encourages other to participate and look at the big picture.
"When it's over, you will know that you made an impact that goes beyond you, beyond Purdue," said Sara Jacobs, a senior in the College of Liberal Arts. "The Cancer Center is at Purdue, but the research that is happening there can impact the world."
The Challenge will begin at 8:30 a.m. April 12 at Ross-Ade Stadium. The registration fee before April 5 for students is $18 and $20 for non-students. After April 5, registration is a flat $25. A sleep-in challenge is also available for those who cannot participate in the run/walk. Those wishing to join the sleep-in challenge will pay the same registration fee and receive a T-shirt. All proceeds benefit the Purdue Cancer Center.