A waging war against cancer consumes the lives of many people each year. Families all around the world battle cancer daily. The idea of cancer can be a grueling thought or a harsh reality to face, but with the right support, no one will face it alone.
The Wizards Against Cancer Club (WACC) is a club where students from Washingtonville High School come together to spread awareness and create fundraisers to help those in need. According to Mrs. Giordani (Co-advisor of WACC), the club was founded by a 2015 WHS graduate, Lucia Dugan. To this day, WACC has gained many new members who come and support fundraisers and events.
For instance, on October 20th, members of WACC and students on the football and cheer team, participated in the Making Strides Walk at the Woodbury Commons. The Woodbury Commons was filled with students and families from various different schools dressed in pink to support breast cancer awarness. The community was brought together for a good cause. Numerous members of WACC along with others, made it known that no one fights alone.
A student from Washingtonville High School is a firm believer that no one’s burden is theirs to bear alone. Avery Upeslacis, president of WACC, shared her thoughts on the importance of a support system. She stated, “Wizards Against Cancer is more than just a club, it’s a support system, a community of compassionate individuals united in the fight against cancer. My biggest motto to those struggling with cancer is that you are not alone. That myself, our club, and other groups like ours are here in the fight with them.”
WACC emphasizes the importance of early awareness and prevention. Having a general understanding of family medical history is crucial. Being able to identify whether an individual has a high risk of getting cancer can save lives. By knowing if you are at risk of getting cancer, doctors can recommend early treatment options, like annual screenings to reduce the chances of cancer.
One of the reasons why WACC is so significant is because it is led by two cancer survivors, Mrs. Giordani and Mrs. Calovic. Mrs. Giordani was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. She expressed, “Several family members asked me “Why you?” and I replied, “Why not me?” With the help and love from her family, she was able to get through all of the chemotherapy and surgeries that went along with her cancer experience. Mrs. Girodani continues to make it her mission to spread communal support and awareness for those fighting the battle of cancer.
Millions of people each year are diagnosed with cancer. While the fight is ongoing, having the support of family, friends and the community is a perfect reminder that no one fights alone.
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