After witnessing his aunt successfully battle breast cancer, social relations and policy senior Austin Muir has been conscious of the struggles of cancer.
Yesterday, Muir did his part to help fight breast cancer by hosting Camp for a Cure, which aimed to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Students who attended the campout set up tents between Yakeley and Landon halls in North Neighborhood.
“This is the first year that I’ve done this specific event,” Muir said. “I hope it becomes a strong tradition. West Circle is really strong in tradition, so I’m hoping that they will continue doing this year in and year out.”
The event began Wednesday evening and was scheduled to continue until early the next morning. Both campers and passers-by were encouraged to donate to the cause.
“We have a sign that says, ‘Who are you donating for?’” Muir said. “If people donate, they get to sign (the sign).”
Several activities were planned for the night, including games, a guitar jam session and a s’more party at 10 p.m.
Muir decided to host the camping event because he loves the outdoors.
“Camping is a huge passion of mine,” he said. “I love to give other people the opportunity to do it, whether you’ve done it before or if it’s your first experience with it. It’s just a great event to raise money for a great cause and to also have fun with camping, just being outside and having fun.”
Natural resource recreation and tourism senior Luke Miller noted the positives of having the event on campus.
“It’s a unique event that brings awareness to the college atmosphere,” Miller said. “Often, college students live in a bubble where we aren’t aware of a certain cause, so it just brings it closer to home.”
Miller said having a fundraiser in the form of a campout also is an effective way to draw attention to the cause.
“If you see tents outside your hall, people are going to ask questions,” he said.
Social relations and policy sophomore Kristi Schmidt said it isn’t the first time Muir has attempted such an event.
“Austin was my (resident assistant) last year, and he did (the campout) on a smaller scale,” she said. “So I went last year and decided to come out again. I came out to support the cause.”
Although Muir currently has no further plans to host events to support the American Cancer Society this year, he believes he’ll be involved with breast cancer awareness sometime after graduation.
“I’m sure, along the way, I’ll attempt to do something (with breast cancer awareness again),” Muir said.
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