Hi, everyone! Thank you so much for visiting Gamma Phi Beta- Eta Chi Chapters fundraising page for the Huntsman Challenge. We are excited to join thousands of college students uniting to be The Generation to End Cancer™ by supporting the lifesaving work at Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Cancer has touched the lives of many of our sisters, making this cause deeply personal to us. We are committed to bringing hope to patients and their families by participating in this event, raising funds, and doing our part to help eradicate cancer.

Below, you’ll find heartfelt stories from our sisters about their experiences with cancer and why the Huntsman Cancer Institute holds a special place in their hearts. We invite you to read their stories and keep our mission in mind.

Thank you for your support!

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The main concern in a 5-year-old's mind is starting school. Right? Making new friends and learning new skills. That’s how it usually is, but my concern was for my mom. She was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 5 years old, and that same year, my parents got divorced. I didn’t understand what was going on. I didn’t know why my dad left or why my mom wasn’t home, and I couldn’t hug her. It was hard, but I truly am so grateful for all the amazing health workers, surgeons, and nurses. My mom is honestly my best friend, and it was truly so heartbreaking to watch her go through all that pain. I hope that one day, cancer will be a thing of the past. No kid or parent or anyone deserves to go through that pain physically and emotionally. It’s a burden that you carry throughout your life, and even though I’m happy to say my mom is over 10 years cancer-free, the memories still haunt me. This is something I hope no one ever has to experience, and with enough research, I think we can make that a reality.

-Danielle H.

My dad is currently battling stage 4 colon cancer and is the strongest man I know. He showed me what unconditional love is and set my standards. He is my Superman. My Rock. And the greatest dad a girl could ask for.

-Lexi T.

My family has unfortunately been impacted by cancer for generations, from my great grandma, family friends, cousins, and my grandpa. My great-grandmother is the definition of an independent woman and fought breast cancer alongside multiple family friends, who fought leukemia, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. She is one of my daily inspirations and has taught me to live life freely. In 2022, my grandfather was diagnosed with throat cancer that he fought stoically, but it unfortunately came back, and this time, it was in his lungs as well. This June, it will be one year without my grandfather. The Huntsman Cancer Institute's focus on cancer research holds deep personal significance for me. Finding a cure could spare others from experiencing the devastating loss of a loved one. Let’s be the generation to end cancer.

-Emma A.

When I was a sophomore in high school, I found out my aunt was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. I had just gotten my driver's license, and Covid had just hit, so I could barely see her. Finally, I was cleared to visit, and when I saw her for the first time since the diagnosis, it was really hard. She chose not to go through chemotherapy because she knew that no matter what, she wouldn’t beat the cancer. My aunt Judy, a woman who was so strong in my life, was sitting there, on her death bed, and still trying to make me laugh. I watched my grandma and her sister tell her it was okay for her to go, and that was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to see in my life. Two years later, during my senior year of high school, my uncle relapsed with stage four pancreatic cancer. This man was full of life, he never failed to make the room laugh. To this day, we quote his one-liners, and the room lights up. He truly was a force, and having to see him get his stomach pumped and lose his hair to chemo was hard, but he did it with a smile on his face. It was also hard on my family; my mom and grandma would take care of him for weeks, and because of this, they were absent for half of my senior year. I would go visit him when I could. Two days before my graduation, he passed away. I felt guilty celebrating myself when my family took a big loss. Yet, we chose to use my graduation as a double celebration of accomplishment and life. Whenever I wear overalls, I think of him. These two people were, and still are, such lights in the world, even if they’re no longer with us. I will always love you, Aunt Judy and Uncle Bob, and I truly hope you’re proud of me!

-Molly S.

When I was nine, my aunt passed away due to ovarian cancer. Being able to support the brothers of Sigma Chi and the Huntsman Institute means so much to me. This allows me to honor my aunt by supporting finding a cure for cancer. I cannot wait for derby days and supporting cancer research with my sisters. I hope that we get to see the end of this disease.

-Haley M.

Please consider supporting our mission by donating to this page. Every dollar -100% of your donation—goes directly to funding the lifesaving work of the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Your generosity gives hope to those fighting cancer and brings us one step closer to a world without it.

Thank you for making a difference!

Best, 

Jayla Rogers

Gamma Phi Beta- Eta Chi Chapter's Huntsman Hero