CAW

While in Undergrad at the University of Michigan, I spent each year doing volunteer work and putting on programs for numerous student organizations. However, one organization was dearest to my heart and brought me the most joy. That organization was the University Students Against Cancer. I know, I know, I’ve heard the jokes like “is there an organization FOR Cancer?” To that question I’d just answer that although if you’re not against Cancer that doesn’t necessarily make you FOR it, it probably does reflect a substantial level of apathy. Virtually everyone’s apathetic about Cancer until it affects someone close them. It is at that point apathy subsides and people understand what it means to be AGAINST Cancer.

In any case, throughout the course of the school year the organization would raise thousands and thousands of dollars and donate it to various Cancer charities, Cancer patient organizations, and Cancer research. All the hard work during the year culminated in one week known as Cancer Awareness Week (CAW). Various events centered around awareness, support, education, and just having fun were put on, and all the proceeds benefited specific organizations (often The Special Days Camp and The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center).

Well, that week is now upon us and I would be remiss if I didn’t do a little promotion here on “The Vortex” for USAC’s CAW; not only because I will be performing on my Sax for the Fashion Show Thursday Night (plug-plug), but because the organization has meant so much to me.

So if you happen to be in Wolverine Country (i.e. Ann Arbor, Mi) this week, make sure to support the University Students Against Cancer’s 2005 Cancer Awareness Week. The events are as follows:

Sunday, April 3, 2005
-Cancer Art Exhibit in the Michigan Union Art Lounge opens at 8pm
-Candlelight Vigil on the Diag 9-10pm featuring survival stories and a cappella performances by 58 Greene and the Harmonettes

Monday, April 4, 2005
-Diag Day 9am-4pm featuring performances by Tally Hall, Encore Dance group, and the a cappella group Gimble

Tuesday, April 5, 2005
-Bone Marrow Registry 12-5pm at Stockwell Hall
-Blue Ribbons Bar Nite 10pm-2am at Necto

Wednesday, April 6, 2005
-Bone Marrow Registry 12-5pm in the Michigan Union
-Restaurant Day all day at Bennigan’s (Bring in a USAC flyer anytime all day and 10% of your entire bill goes to CAW! Bennigan’s is located at 525 Briarwood Circle by the Mall)

Thursday, April 7, 2005
-Bone Marrow Registry 12-5pm at South Quad Hall
-Bivouac’s Project Runway Fashion Show 8pm in the Michigan Union Ballroom featuring dance performances by FunKtion, Encore, the UM Bhangra Team, a Saxy performance by Maelstrom, and an appearance by guest model Laurie Carr!

Saturday, April 9, 2005
-Relay For Life, a 24 hour walk-a-thon to raise money for the American Cancer Society 10am-10pm on Palmer Field

-Maelstrom