Across the nation, college students may come together to find a cure to cancer. NMSU is no exception, and offers students and faculty several ways to get involved, and help find a cure.

Colleges against Cancer is a nationwide organization that is designed by college students faculty and staff, and administered across college campuses. NMSU’s CAC [Colleges Against Cancer] is dedicated to finding a cancer cure, and fundraising to support organizations like the American Cancer Society.

NMSU’s CAC is different from other cancer campaigns around campus, because it does not specify one particular cancer. The goal of the organization is to raise money for cancer research in general, by continuing to partner with the Relay for Life organization.

Relay for Life is a fundraiser walk where participants form teams and walk around a designated area, in shifts, for between 6-24 hours. Every team has to have at least one person on the path at a time, and the purpose of walking for so long, is to prove that cancer never takes a break, and it doesn’t stop.

The money from the Relay for Life organization goes towards the American Cancer Society which puts its money and research efforts into finding a cure for cancer.

There are other organizations on campus which support the fight against various cancers. One that may be well known by students and faculty at NMSU is the “Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink” campaign.

This October the Aggies will not continue the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” campaign, which may come as a surprise to many students. The campaign raised awareness, but not enough money to make it worthwhile.

Pat Sisbarro was the co-chair of the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” campaign and he explained that the community came together and raised money and awareness for the cause.

“Since 2007 the efforts of countless volunteers and the generosity of this community have contributed almost $5 million in cash and in-kind contributions to benefit breast cancer research and awareness efforts here in New Mexico.” said Sisbarro.

Chancellor Gary Carruthers also spoke about the ending of the program, and described the impact that it had on not only NMSU, but all of New Mexico itself.

“For the past 10 years, they’ve not just raised money for cancer research, they’ve also raised awareness for proper screenings and care.,” said Carruthers, “Our community is better off because of their tireless commitment.”

NMSU will continue to raise money for cancer research by fundraising with the Cowboys for Cancer research group. This organization is a nonprofit, which raises money for cancer research by hosting a team roping event, a golf tournament, and a dinner/dance. The money from these events is donated to new treatments and research in the Las Cruces area.

Though the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” era has passed at NMSU, Aggies can still get involved with supporting cancer research by participating in events held by many different organizations on campus.