The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a national group that focuses on spreading cancer awareness, supporting patients and survivors, and raising money for research. Along with funding research, ACS works with other cancer-related organizations and creates programs that help people and families dealing with the disease.
This year, Lincoln East High School brought back its ACS club and officially formed a chapter. Though there was an ACS club two years back, it’s become primarily inactive as more and more previous officers graduate. While the goals are the same as the national organization, the high school chapter adjusts its focus to fit the needs of students and the school community.
“We’re going to do some fundraisers at athletic events here at East,” Becky Evasco, club sponsor said. “Games such as the pink-out game are a great way to raise and donate money for Breast cancer.”
ACS is known for large, nationwide events such as Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and the support provided through Hope Lodge centers. Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer are both events centered around walking together to raise funds, while Hope Lodges are a program that provides free lodging for cancer patients and their caregivers who must travel for treatment. The Lincoln East chapter takes part in nationwide events while also holding its own campus events. Together, these efforts raise awareness and help bring in funds for cancer research.
With awareness raised, students and staff impacted by cancer are passionate about the new movement the club is bringing along.
“My mother got cancer when I was in middle school, so I had to be around her getting treatment for a long while. She’s fine now, but when I came into high school, I didn’t realize there was a cancer club,” senior Sofia Martin said. “This year, I noticed there was one, so I decided to join so I could learn more about how to prevent cancer and how to help anyone going through it, because it’s very hard on the person and their families.”
The club meets every other Thursday at 3:05 p.m. in Room 201. At the first meeting on September 4, 2025, members were introduced to the club’s purpose and goals. Since then, activities have included guest speakers, projects supporting cancer patients, and even a tour of the April Samson Cancer Center, a newly built cancer facility with specific equipment made to treat cancer patients.
“We offer many opportunities to help fight cancer. Relays for life, guest speakers to help enhance students’ awareness, HopeLodges, and the walk to make strides against Breast cancer coming up,” Evasco said. “They’re all great ways for students to look into the cause and learn more about our chapter and its purpose.”
Though the events are aimed at aiding cancer awareness, funding, and research, difficulties remain that hold back the mission overall.
“Many of our members are spread thin. They’re involved in a lot of different activities, so when we have all these events and fundraisers planned, we have to make sure there’s enough kids to staff and attend them,” Evasco added. “Times are also a bit difficult and kids certainly don’t have money to just give out and same with teachers, so fundraising can be a bit difficult.”
While challenges relating to cancer awareness remain, even little steps towards ending the disease such as a school club make a huge impact. Over the years, the American Cancer Society–national and local–hopes to work towards their mission to achieve a life without cancer for all.
