American Cancer Society official addresses Phi Theta Kappa

Thirty-nine members of the Eta Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Coffeyville Community College, met at 5:00 p.m. in room 107 Weinberg Hall for their April educational program and business meeting.  Following a fellowship supper, chapter president Jacob Asbridge called the meeting to order.  Chapter secretary Kathryn Cure took member roll call, presented minutes from the March meeting, and read an invitation to the CCC Foundation Auction.  Chapter treasurer Zach Smith gave a report which included an update on the chapter’s fundraising for Relay For Life.  President Asbridge reported on the chapter’s participation in the 93rd international convention in Seattle and introduced Jeremy Willard as Member of the Month.  Vice President of Service Rebecca George discussed chapter service projects including landscaping of the Habitat for Humanity House at 10th and Buckeye, Project World-Wide Schools for the Kyrgyz Republic, CureSearch Walk in Kansas City, and the St. Jude Doggy Daze Program.

Tristan Zavala, Vice President of Scholarship, discussed the CCC Foundation Auction, “Putting on the Ritz,” May 7, in Nellis Hall as well as the Chapter’s Honors in Action Poster at international convention and the April 3, movie night featuring Waiting for Super Man.  Jakey Dobbs, Relay for Life Chairman, announced the Ravens For a Cure Project raised $800 for the American Cancer Society.  She also reported the current project; Quarters For a Cure is in progress and encouraged all members to fill their assigned pill bottles with quarters.  The team’s last project will be selling luminaries in remembrance of those deceased from cancer and in honor of those surviving.

Advisor Linda McFate reminded members the late spring induction of new members and stoling for graduates will be held in the Spencer/Rounds Theatre, May 8, at 2:00 p.m.  She also reminded members to order their stoles and tassels for graduation, now is the time to file for 2011-2012 chapter office, and the Leader of Promise Scholarship application is due May 2.

The educational program for the evening was presented by Grant Deardorff, Community Manager-Health Initiatives with the American Cancer Society from Webb City, Missouri.  Mr. Deardorff shared with the chapter that he has been with the American Cancer Society for eight years where his position is to “connect the dots” between patient needs and resources.  He stated, “the ACS is massive with over 1,700 Relay For Life events across the country with fundraising events now including marathons and triathlons.”  Mr. Deardorff discussed three important aspects of the American Cancer Society, research, education, and advocacy.  The hope and expectation is someday there will be no more cancer.  Through research, the HPB vaccine was obtained which prevents a virus responsible for cervical cancer.  Research also linked tobacco and the sun’s rays to various types of cancer.  Of the three major cancer treatments – surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, two were the results of research.  Chemotherapy is administered through an IV drip and attacks fast growing cells while radiation uses highly focused X-rays to kill malignant cells.  Coffeyville Regional Medical Center has all three major cancer treatments available to patients.  Chemotherapy can be administered in a treatment facility where nurses are certified to mix the drugs.

When discussing education, Deardorff stressed the importance of not smoking, the use of effective sun screen, and mammograms, prostate exams, and colonoscopies at appropriate ages.  Statistics indicate that 1 in 3 women will have cancer, but if caught early in stage one; the survival rate for breast cancer can be as high as 98%.  When discussing advocacy, it is important to lobby with state and national Congressional leaders as the federal government is the number one funder of cancer research.  Deardorff further stated the ACS provides many services to help patients such as the Road to Recovery where transportation to treatment is provided and Look Good, Feel Better which utilizes appearance enhancing items such as make-up and wigs.  Some communities offer reduced price rooms at local hotels for patients needing extended stays.

Following the meeting, several members registered to be drivers for the Road to Recovery service.  The chapter also has $10 t-shirts for sale as part of their Relay for Life activities.  Anyone wanting to purchase shirts may contact John Greenfield at 620-251-7700 x. 2039 or Linda McFate 620-251-7700 x. 2076.