Spreading Hope at UNI

Looking to get involved while making a difference at the same time? UNI’s Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) might be the perfect fit for you. CAC is a student organization that plans the annual Relay For Life event held on campus every spring.

2015 Relay For Life fundraising reveal

The Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) organization often asks its members the question “Why do you Relay?” If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been affected by cancer at some point in your life. Maybe your mom is a cancer survivor. Maybe your high school teacher, whom you had a close connection with lost their battle to cancer. Maybe your cousin, aunt, uncle, friend or neighbor fought this terrible disease. Perhaps, you haven’t been directly affected by this disease and you Relay to keep it that way. Maybe YOU are a cancer survivor, and want to spread hope to others that are suffering. Everyone has their own reason to Relay, but the CAC organization allows each member to come together because they share the same passion, to find a cure for cancer.

Luminaria bags are a way to honor and remember
our loved ones who have fought cancer.

“I got involved with Colleges Against Cancer because I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to help make an impact at UNI. I want to know that I am helping others and I am supporting a wonderful organization. Volunteering has made me an all-around better person. It has helped me step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and change lives.” - Michaela Fay


“I got involved with Colleges Against Cancer because I wanted to be a part of an organization that was making a difference in so many people's lives. Colleges Against Cancer has helped me gain a lot a confidence and leadership abilities. This organization is a great way to get involved on campus and a good way to meet some truly amazing people!”
- Makayla Dobney


“I knew I wanted to get involved in student organizations right away in college, and Colleges Against Cancer seemed like such a positive thing to devote time and effort to. The dedication of the executives and my fellow committee members is really inspiring, and seeing our hard work have such an impact at Relay makes me so glad I do it.” -Jacquelyn Knustrom

Jacquelyn Knustrom cooking dinner for
patients and caregivers at Hope Lodge. 

“Cancer is an unforgiving disease that affects every single person whether it be directly or indirectly. The great thing about CAC is that the money we raise goes directly to making a difference in the lives of millions of people.” - Jordan Arp

All of the money raised at the Relay For Life is donated to the American Cancer Society and divided among four main areas. The money goes to program services including, cancer research, patient support, prevention information & education and detection & treatment. One of these program services funded by the American Cancer Society is the Hope Lodge, which offers a place where cancer patients and their caregivers can find help and hope when home is far away. There are currently 31 Hope Lodge locations throughout the United States, one very close to us in Iowa City.

Every year, many UNI Colleges Against Cancer committee members are given the opportunity to visit the Iowa City Hope Lodge. They not only get to see first-hand where part of their fundraising dollars are being donated, but also donate their time by making dinner and getting the opportunity to connect with these cancer patients and their caregivers.

How can you get involved? Sign up for one of the ten committees that plan the annual Relay For Life including, accounting, corporate sponsorship, entertainment, luminaria, fundraising, marketing, mission, social, survivor and caregiver engagement and team recruitment.

Colleges Against Cancer committee members
volunteering at Hope Lodge in Iowa City. 

So, why would you want to be apart of UNI’s Colleges Against Cancer? Yes, it’s great to add volunteer work to your resume, but more importantly you are making a difference in so many people’s lives. Wondering if your time and fundraising dollars are actually making a difference? I’m here to tell you YES. Since 1991, there has been a 22% decline in cancer death rate. That wouldn’t be possible without volunteers from the American Cancer Society.

Email RelayForLifeofUNI@uni.edu to learn about how to get involved!