Spring Break
Editorial: Something to gain
Issue date: 4/17/09 Section: Editorial/Opinion
04/17/09 - According to statistics from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, cancer is the second leading cause of death among adults. The number of deaths in 2005 topped 550,000, and the number of people who are diagnosed every day is unfortunately only increasing.
But luckily, thanks to the research being done on this disease, more people are surviving.
Though society is gaining strength in finding a cure, medical advances do not come overnight, and more importantly, they're not cheap.
But the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, which is happening this weekend at the University of Rhode Island, is an easy way to raise money for a great cause. The event has raised more than $1.5 billion for cancer research.
With all the different types of cancer - breast, colon, kidney, pancreatic and skin - almost everyone knows someone who is in some way affected by this debilitating disease.
According to Relay for Life's Web site, there are 4,800 Relays nationwide. Many URI organizations are participating in this year's event, including Hillel, the Fashion Merchandising Society and the Future Health Care Professionals.
The overnight walk solicits donations from sponsors, and each dollar made goes to the search to find a cure for cancer. Survivors of cancer, their friends and family, along with other members of local communities walk together for one cause.
It's still not too late to participate. By going to Relay for Life's Web site, people can still offer donations to the group of their choice. Join groups at 6 p.m. at URI's track near Keaney Gymnasium, or camp out beforehand on the soccer fields nearby.
If the Relay for Life doesn't fit into a hectic college student's schedule, there's another realm of opportunity just around the corner.
Next week is also National Volunteer Week. If one gets sick of studying for finals, or twiddling thumbs about an overdue project, there are plenty of organizations around Rhode Island that need help from college students and the community alike.
To name a few: The Rhode Island Food Bank, the Johnnycake Center, the Welcome House or the Domestic Violence Center. Full lists of charitable organizations can be found on line - like everything else, just Google it.
In today's economy, society must remember those who are less fortunate - whether that includes the unemployed and the homeless, the sick or the poor. Everyone's got something to give, and everyone's got something to gain.
But luckily, thanks to the research being done on this disease, more people are surviving.
Though society is gaining strength in finding a cure, medical advances do not come overnight, and more importantly, they're not cheap.
But the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, which is happening this weekend at the University of Rhode Island, is an easy way to raise money for a great cause. The event has raised more than $1.5 billion for cancer research.
With all the different types of cancer - breast, colon, kidney, pancreatic and skin - almost everyone knows someone who is in some way affected by this debilitating disease.
According to Relay for Life's Web site, there are 4,800 Relays nationwide. Many URI organizations are participating in this year's event, including Hillel, the Fashion Merchandising Society and the Future Health Care Professionals.
The overnight walk solicits donations from sponsors, and each dollar made goes to the search to find a cure for cancer. Survivors of cancer, their friends and family, along with other members of local communities walk together for one cause.
It's still not too late to participate. By going to Relay for Life's Web site, people can still offer donations to the group of their choice. Join groups at 6 p.m. at URI's track near Keaney Gymnasium, or camp out beforehand on the soccer fields nearby.
If the Relay for Life doesn't fit into a hectic college student's schedule, there's another realm of opportunity just around the corner.
Next week is also National Volunteer Week. If one gets sick of studying for finals, or twiddling thumbs about an overdue project, there are plenty of organizations around Rhode Island that need help from college students and the community alike.
To name a few: The Rhode Island Food Bank, the Johnnycake Center, the Welcome House or the Domestic Violence Center. Full lists of charitable organizations can be found on line - like everything else, just Google it.
In today's economy, society must remember those who are less fortunate - whether that includes the unemployed and the homeless, the sick or the poor. Everyone's got something to give, and everyone's got something to gain.
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