Once in a while tragedy can produce a positive outcome and in the case of senior Ginny St-Onge '09, a devastating illness encouraged a creative way to give back to the community.

Not only is St-Onge a dedicated student in the School of Education at SUNY Oswego but also the co-founder of an inspirational club on campus, Colleges Against Cancer.

The club was born in February 2007 in an effort to reach out and raise awareness about cancer. The club's inspiration stemmed from an event that occurred five years earlier when St-Onge's mother was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer.

"When my mom was first diagnosed five years ago, I couldn't believe it," she said. "My thoughts were that cancer doesn't happen to my family, it happens to other people.  But when I realized how strong my mom and family were, I didn't think it was a big deal."

St-Onge engaged the Oswego State community by forming a Colleges Against Cancer chapter. Currently there are 40 active members.

Recently the club organized an American Cancer Society Relay for Life to raise money for cancer research that earned $31,000 in donations for the American Cancer Society. St-Onge said her primary mission is to raise awareness of cancer prevention.

"If one student each year puts on sunscreen while on spring break because they know they can prevent skin cancer, or a parent gets an early detection of cancer because of a child urging them to get screened," she said. "I will be proud and happy."

Upcoming events include a men's varsity lacrosse "Coaches Versus Cancer" charity game Oct. 20 and the annual Relay for Life April 18 and 19.

After she graduates in May 2009 with an education degree in high school social studies, St-Onge plans to continue her education in the master's program at Oswego to obtain a degree in literacy.  She will continue to be involved with the American Cancer Society and do whatever she can, whether with Relay for Life or advocacy.

"I've been touched by cancer too deeply and by too many people to just turn and walk away," she said, noting her mother continues her fight.

To learn more, visit the American Cancer Society Web page.  There is also a Facebook group for the Oswego Chapter of Colleges Against Cancer. Please note: You must be a registered Facebook user to view the Colleges Against Cancer group page.

-- Ashley White '10

PHOTO CAPTION:
Ginny St-Onge '09 (left) poses with her mother, Nancy, (center) and aunt, Ginger Joyce, (right) after the Relay for Life event in April.



Back To October E-Newsletter - Next Article: Upcoming Events - Previous Article: New Year

Oswego Alumni Association, Inc.
King Alumni Hall • SUNY Oswego • Oswego, NY 13126
315-312-2258 • 315-312-5570 (fax)
Email: alumni@oswego.edu
Web site: www.oswego.edu/alumni