Kiss Cancer Away

Once again, organizations on campus are demonstrating the amazing things college
students do every day across the country.
Every year, Delta Zeta helps with the Kay Yow basketball game which is based around
raising money for a breast cancer research program. This year, Delta Zeta found a new way to
raise money for a good cause. They called it “Kiss Cancer Away” and encouraged people to pay
a dollar to kiss their prepared posters which represented kissing cancer away. It also tied into
Valentine’s Day love theme. Delta Zeta’s campaign was held from Monday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. to
2 p.m. to Friday, February 13 in the Jean and Jerry Beasley Student Center’s Ground Lobby at
Concord University.
According to Kay Yow website (kayyow.com), “The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was
officially founded on December 3, 2007, from the vision of the organization’s namesake Kay
Yow, former North Carolina State University head women’s basketball coach.” Kay Yow Cancer
Fund’s mission is to extend and improve the lives of all those battling cancer. As of 2015, $3.93
million has been granted for scientific research and related programs focused on women’s
cancers thanks to the generosity and continued support of donors across the country.
This year, Delta Zeta wants to bring something new and different to campus instead of
just “handing out ribbons.” Whitney McDaniel, Philanthropy Chair of Delta Zeta, says, “One of
our members found this idea on Pinterest.”
“We do participate in this event every year because it is an annual event that takes place
on our campus. Last year, we had a table the week leading up to the game and sold t-shirts to try
to raise money. We helped decorate the gym before the game starts, we help with raising money
during the game, and we clean up afterwards. Our girls also decorate the girl’s basketball team,
boys basketball team, and the cheerleaders hallways and doors that week before the game. This
is something fun our girls do and it lets them see we care about and support them. “
Sara Blankenship, the head cheerleading coach and a former Delta Zeta, is the
coordinator of this Kay Yow basketball game on campus.
“Our sorority always does something to contribute to this cause. I am Delta Zetas
philanthropy chair, so I get all of the fundraisers together,” says McDaniel. “Our goals for this
event [were] to raise awareness about breast cancer and have students show their support by
coming to the basketball game [Concord University v. W.Va. State] on Saturday, February 14
from 2 p.m. to 5p.m. at Concord’s Carter Center.”
For more any information on how to donate to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, contact Sara
Blankenship at blankenshipsl@concord.edu, or go to www.kayyow.com/.