By Lizzie Horne > Sophomore >Journalism >University of Maryland, College Park
and BY Jacquelyne Williams > Senior > Journalism > University of Memphis

Seventy thousand.

That’s the number of young adults diagnosed with cancer each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Many of them are students, balancing college and illness. As cancer has become more prevalent on campuses, so have support groups designed to help students financially and emotionally.

“There’s a lot of stress having to worry about school and work, let alone the added stress of having to deal with a medical condition,” said Lacy Pfaendler, a California Lutheran University student and survivor of thyroid cancer.
Colleges Against Cancer partners with the American Cancer Society and is one national group working to spread cancer awareness. The group sponsors Relay for Life and survivorship celebrations in addition to pushing for legislation changes.
The Bleed Purple Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity that provides grants to students in the form of medical bills and tuition relief.  The group also unites the Greek community as a support network for students.

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation formed seven months ago in memory of Wagner College grad and lung cancer victim Dan Waeger.  The organization encompasses Waeger’s “will win” attitude by providing students with everything from scholarships and fundraising to education and comic relief.

Other, less formal support exists too. Blame Drew’s Cancer, launched in May by Hodgkin’s Lymphoma patient Drew Olanoff, uses humor and personal stories to connect those affected by cancer.  The website allows people to blame cancer for everything wrong in their lives. The group’s Twitter page attracts thousands of cancer complaint tweets, blaming cancer for everything from missing car keys to midterms.

For Jessica Lighter, a cancer survivor and recent Florida Atlantic University grad, a strong support system is important. “Stay strong, it’s beatable, talk to your friends and family. Try to find someone [who] has survived cancer before, they are so inspiring during this time.”