Waldorf Athletic Department Hosts Coaches vs. Cancer

The Coaches vs. Cancer organization had a table in the lobby collecting donations for the American Cancer Society. Photo by Danica Cheney

Waldorf University Athletic Department held a Coaches vs. Cancer event on Saturday, Jan. 27 during the men’s and women’s basketball games, raising $744 for the American Cancer Society.

This amount was the most money ever raised at Waldorf for a Coaches vs. Cancer event. Adding the amount raised by the volleyball team’s event, Waldorf has raised a total of $825 for the cause in the 2017-18 academic year.

Waldorf’s student-run radio station, KZOW, the Waldorf Biology Club and a representative from the American Cancer Society, Steve Lovik, were all present raising money, spreading awareness and promoting the event. KZOW talked on air and provided information to those who were not able to make it to the event. The Biology Club was selling baked potatoes and donating half of their proceeds toward the American Cancer Society as well.

“Waldorf has been a very good partner in the fight against cancer,” Lovik said, “and I appreciate President Alsop, and the faculty and staff and of course, the students for all that they do.”

Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams faced Jamestown on Saturday. Fans of both Waldorf and Jamestown fans participated in donating to the cause.

“I mean it affects everybody at some point or another,” said men’s basketball coach Nigel Jenkins, “I’m really appreciative that we’ve been able to do this and help raise some funds for the American Cancer Society.”

A large part of American Cancer Society is to constantly educate on how to prevent cancer for everyone. Advice includes: wear sunscreen, eat healthy, exercise and if you think something is wrong with your health, speak up. Tell a doctor and catch symptoms early. The Coaches vs. Cancer program has been running for 25 years and the progress being made is what motivates people to keep giving.

“If you had cancer 20 years ago, the chance of surviving was 40%,” Lovik said. “If you have cancer today, the chance of surviving is 70% or higher.”