Students strive to prevent skin cancer

As University students look forward to soaking up the rays on spring break, there's one thing University Students Against Cancer would like everyone to remember - sunscreen.

USAC members passed out sunscreen and informational flyers at Angell Hall and on North Campus yesterday to kick off their annual "Don't Get Burned" event, which will continue today.

LSA senior Teerada Sripaipan said the event, which had members of the group handing out packets of sunscreen attached to an informational flyer, isn't new.

"This event takes place every year during the week before spring break," Sripaipan said.

Sripaipan added that USAC wants

to educate people about how they can prevent different forms of cancer, including skin cancer.

"USAC really wants to encourage people to use sun block over spring break," Sripaipan said.

But the group is not only concerned with fighting skin cancer. USAC members said they want people to understand the seriousness of all forms of cancer.

Last semester, USAC held the annual "Smoke Out" - a day dedicated to stomping out smoking - to bring awareness to the dangers of cigarettes.

In addition to educating students about cancer through various events, USAC also does fundraising for Mott Children's Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House and Special Days Camp - where children with cancer can spend time during the summer.

Through fundraising, USAC helps to fund the cost for the camp.

Recently USAC held a meal skip - a chance for students to donate a meal credit for charity - which raised $2,500 for the camp.

Members said another upcoming event that will raise money for Special Days Camp is cancer awareness week, which will be held the week of March 15. A different event is scheduled for each day of the week.

LSA Junior Andrea Morrow said she wants everyone to take part in the festivities. "We really want a lot of people to be involved with cancer awareness week, it's a great event," Morrow said.

Morrow added that the highlight of the week will take place on Sunday, March 21 - the final event of the festivities. At 10:30 a.m., participants will take over the streets of Ann Arbor in either a 5K race or a two mile walk.

"I'm really looking forward to the run; I organized that event and it will be a lot of fun," Morrow said.

In hopes of informing the University community about the effects of cancer, USAC has developed a motto, "Our vision is for USAC to be a social and supportive community that uses our resources and enthusiasm effectively in the battle against cancer."

USAC holds monthly meetings to plan their events. They also provide a support group for students who want to express their feelings about how cancer has affected them.

Any student interested in getting involved with the organization can contact USAC President Craig Cucinella at cooch@umich.edu.

02-25-99