Stephen F. Austin State University

After Tim Hogle lost his brother to diabetes, he was impressed by the way his niece and nephew got involved in advocacy projects and fund-raising efforts to help fight against the disease.

His brother’s death was not the first time a serious illness had hit Hogle close to home. The Stephen F. Austin State University senior lost his mother to cancer 25 years ago. Motivated by the success of his brother’s children, he decided he would get involved in the fight against cancer.

With the help of the American Cancer Society, Hogle is starting a chapter of “Colleges Against Cancer” at SFA.

“Colleges Against Cancer started about five years ago with a group of college students who decided to expand on the Great American Smoke-Out and to create an organization,” Hogle said. “Colleges Against Cancer gears all of the traditional ACS event toward the campus community with promotions, slogans and things that appeal to people in this age group.”

Colleges Against Cancer has roughly 175 chapters nationwide, Hogle said.

“The emphases of this group are on advocacy, education, (the fund-raiser) Relay for Life and survivorship,” he said. “Colleges Against Cancer works on projects such as making campuses smokeless, raising tobacco awareness and educating people about sun safety, cancer screening and breast cancer.”

Hogle said there are opportunities for involvement from students in every major.

For example, pre-law or social work students can get involved advocacy projects, while communications students might enjoy working in promotions. Health and kinesiology students may appreciate the chance to educate students about the role of health and fitness in cancer prevention, Hogle said.

“Since the ACS is having Relay for Life at SFA this year, we saw a great opportunity to get involved,” he said.

 Relay for Life is scheduled from 7 p.m. Friday, April 13, to 7 a.m. Saturday, April 14, at Homer Bryce Stadium on the SFA campus.

“‘Relay’ is just a start for us,” Hogle said. “We plan to have many awareness events throughout the year.”

 Hogle said students who become involved with Colleges Against Cancer will learn leadership skills and gain experience in community involvement. He is currently recruiting students to participate in Relay for Life, whether they choose to hand out drinks, decorate, make cookies, or form a team and walk.

 “Something like this really grows a sense of community on campus,” Hogle said. “The American Cancer Society is something with which people can be involved for the rest of their lives.”

 For information about Relay for Life, call 1-800-ACS-2345.