The back room of The Fieldhouse was packed with Bradley students Wednesday evening to raise money for St. Jude.
Bradley St. Jude Up Til Dawn hosted its third No More Cancer Rally fundraiser. The event mirrored a St. Jude patient’s No More Chemo Party at the end of their treatment.
“Every time a patient finishes treatment at St. Jude, doctors, nurses, family and staff gather to throw a No More Chemo party; a big celebration complete with cake, confetti and the singing of the No Mo Chemo song,” St. Jude Up Til Dawn executive director Megan Ramsden said. “A No More Cancer Rally is our own version of a No More Chemo Party, a big fundraising party with food, decorations, challenges, prizes and raising money for the kids.”
The evening began when junior psychology major Barrett Winston, acting as emcee, introduced the agenda for the night. Students could then enjoy free food from The Fieldhouse while they participated in challenges.
“I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I came in,” junior public health education major Leah Smith said. “I kind of expected to just sit here, not really doing much. But I liked how they made it entertaining and fun.”
Participants had to complete a total of seven challenges. These included posting on social media, personalizing a website address, demonstrating spirit, setting up a fundraising page and reaching out to friends and family for donations.
“St. Jude is such a wonderful place and it makes me so happy to see Bradley students rallying behind this cause,” St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Field Development Representative Andy Corbin said.
According to Corbin, fundraisers like the rally are essential to help St. Jude with raising money and spreading awareness.
“Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food because all a family should have to worry about is helping their child live,” Corbin said.
Participants watched videos of St. Jude patients and No More Chemo parties. The 10 students that earned the most points throughout the night won prizes.
“Raising money at our No More Cancer Rally helps support the St. Jude mission of finding cures and saving children,” senior Spanish and psychology double major Ramsden said. “St. Jude relies on fundraising events like these and generous donors to support their mission of finding cures and saving children.”
