We're raising money to support the American Cancer Society's Red, White & Blue Party- an evening of elegant cocktails, delicious eats, fun activities, and great entertainment- all to help attack cancer from every angle!
Meet our team!
Lauren Burrell: I am involved in YPACS because cancer is a fight we are going to win. I was first introduced to this horrible disease when I met 7-year-old Emily Whitehead. Emily was diagnosed with standard-risk pre-b acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at five years old. After 2 relapses, doctors thought they had run out of options. In 2012, when Emily was 7 years old, she became the first child in the world to try a new treatment called T-cell therapy. The t-cell therapy worked, and Emily has been in remission since May 2012. She is now a thriving 14-year-old and an inspiration to many. I am incredibly lucky that I was able to be a part of her journey at Penn State.
Cancer has unfortunately also affected a member of my family. My uncle was diagnosed with cancer late last year. He is currently fighting and seeking treatment. My fight continues for him. We are making a difference, and we are going to win this fight.
Jackie Marone: My grandmother, Marie, passed away of colon cancer. She was the most genuine person that I was blessed to love. To try to be half as selfless as she was, I joined YPACS to continue the fight against cancer for her and for my family and friends whose lives have also been touched by cancer, with determination and hope to help find a cure!
Allison Gill: My dad passed away from brain cancer in 2004. I fight back every day in memory of him!
Karissa Hand: I'm raising money for the American Cancer Society in honor of my mom, Kim Hand, who passed away in 2013 after a 2.5 year battle with stage 4 cancer. After my mom wad diagnosed, I began participating in Relay for Life. Each year, it was such a meaningful experience for my family and friends, especially for my mom who said that it filled her with hope. I've continued participating in Relay for Life each year in her honor, and throughout college I was involved in Colleges Against Cancer. After graduating college, I was looking for a way to continue my involvement with the ACS, and I happened to come across a flyer for YPACS' Red White and Blue Party. I quickly reached out to get involved-- and here we are! I'm so excited for RWB because it will be a special night spent with my new YPACS fam raising money for an organization that has meant the world to me and my family. I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue making a difference in the fight against cancer and supporting other families who are experiencing what my family went through. I hope you'll support me in my fundraising and join us for RWB on June 20th!
Nia Daye: With the loss of some loved ones along with celebrating being cancer-free with others, cancer has had a major effect on me personally. I've been volunteering with ACS since high school but slowed down over the last few years. When approached with the opportunity to join YPACS, it was just as we found out my maternal grandfather was diagnosed with stage 5 pancreatic cancer so it seemed like fate that YPACS was brought into my life! It allows me to further my involvement, feel like I am making a difference in fighting this disease, and stay connected with the mission of ACS.
Juliana Gover: I am became involved in YPACS and would like to raise money for the American Cancer Society in memory of my Uncle John and celebration of my Aunt Joanne, Aunt Trish, and my mom. My Uncle John passed away due to 9/11 cancer as he was a fire fighter involved in the clean up. My Aunt Joanne, his wife, survived Leukemia 20 years ago. My Aunt Trish survived breast cancer. My Mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer when she found out she was pregnant with me and had surgery to remove it. It is a miracle that either of survived.
Thank you for supporting our fundraising in memory or honor of someone in your life who has battled cancer.
