Sing for a Cure uses harmony to combat tragedy

A capella groups doing their part in the fight against breast cancer

WILL SMARCZ
Special to The Leader

It could be your mother, grandmother, aunt, sister or anyone who has a place in your memory. Someone in your life is recovering from, dealing with or died from breast cancer.

The battle with breast cancer is a well-known and constant struggle. Benefits of combating the disease are the continuous attempt to raise funds and awareness for the 680,000 people diagnosed yearly, according to the American Cancer Society.

Last year the Birth Control Information Center (BCIC) and senior communication major Angela Cimilluca started the musical benefit Sing for a Cure.

Sing for a Cure is a benefit concert which raises proceeds that go directly to breast cancer awareness. Various Fredonia musical groups perform for a large audience of students, staff and campus community.

On Oct. 25, Much More Chill, Some Like it Hot and Helicopter Pilot will raise their voices in awareness to benefit the search for a cure. According to breastcancer.org one in eight women will have to fight against the disease they have little to no control over.

In 2007 the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) released their fact sheet about cancer within the U.S. The figures and facts displayed are frightening and solidify the need for events like Sing for a Cure.

"Although scientists have discovered some risk factors for breast cancer, the known risk factors account for only a small percentage [30 percent] of breast cancer cases. There are few interventions with limited value that reduce risk and none of them prevent breast cancer," states the NBCC 2007 fact sheet.

All of the funds gained from the event will go to two charities. Half of the proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation and the other half will be donated to the Circle of Hope cancer fund.

"It's brought a lot of unity between the faculty, students and the community," said Krista Elliott, director of BCIC.

Much like the other beneficial events on campus such as the STEPS Walk for AIDS and the Some Like It Hot Acafest, participants continually show their excitement in being able to make a difference.

"I think having events like this is pertinent to have on campus even if students are simply getting more information about how serious breast cancer is and can be, it's still more than what they knew the day before," said business manager of Some Like it Hot Katlyn Jennings.

Junior sports management/exercise science major Austin Kelm of Much More Chill said, "I feel with the group growing every year that we can bring more people to the Willy C for this great event. We have been working hard since we held auditions this year and it should be a great show for an even greater cause."

New-comers to these various a capella groups are also expressing their enthusiasm forbeing able to take part in this influential event. The ability to make a difference through music continuously attracts new members and allows these groups to use their talent for the greater good.

"I think it really is a great, positive thing that we are doing and I hope whatever we raise cures someone somewhere who needs it. Raising money is always a good thing and I and everyone in Much More Chill are proud to be part of this wonderful fundraiser," said Andre Salter, freshmen liberal arts major and member of Much More Chill.

The price for admission is $2 for students and $4 for the general public. There will also be raffles that will benefit the cause. For more information about the event contact the BCIC office at 673-3396.