By Haley Tenore

A cancer diagnosis is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. At Virginia Commonwealth University, a student group is supporting those facing that challenge.

Students Caring About Cancer at VCU hosts charity events, donation drives and other advocacy efforts to help those with cancer. It also serves as a community for cancer survivors and loved ones of those who have experienced the disease.

The organization was founded by Gabby Maldonado, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Psychology in the College of Humanities and Sciences. Maldonado’s personal experience with cancer has fueled her passion for both research and advocacy.

“I remember when I first got my diagnosis, I was like, ‘There's one of two ways I can go. I can sit here, and I can just give up and pull the covers over my head, or I can say, no, I'm going to do something,’” said Maldonado, who is a predoctoral fellow in the National Cancer Institute-funded T32 Cancer Prevention and Control-Cancer Health Engagement training program at VCU’s Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Because there are people with these circumstances, especially those who might not have available resources, who need support, and that was my drive.”

Maldonado leads SCAC as its president and works with her mentor, Caroline Cobb, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology and director of the health psychology Ph.D. program. Cobb’s research focuses on disease and death related to tobacco usage and often is connected to cancer prevention.

Maldonado believed that a student organization focused on those affected by cancer would be an important addition to campus, and the group, which was founded in fall 2022, now has 45 members.

One participant, Kathy Argel, an HRIS analyst with VCU Human Resources, joined SCAC after hearing about an event through VCU TelegRAM. Argel is pursuing a master’s degree in mass communications in the Robertson School of Media and Culture.

“My mom was a cancer survivor, and she went to VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and we just remember her entire journey, how kind, gracious and empathetic they were to her,” Argel said.

Argel said the team at Massey helped bring peace and comfort to her mother during her treatment, ensuring she was always “well taken care of.”

“This cause is very meaningful to me and my family, and it’s a cause that I will continue to support,” Argel said.

Another member of SCAC’s leadership team, Susanna Harnish, who serves as vice president, joined the organization after her own experience with cancer. Harnish was a sophomore at VCU when she was diagnosed with stage two pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer. She returned to VCU in August after she recovered from surgery.

“Upon returning to VCU, I was looking to find a community in Richmond that serves folks with cancer or those who are affected by cancer,” said Harnish, who is majoring in health, physical education and exercise science with a concentration in health sciences. “This club gives me the opportunity to connect with people who have dealt with similar issues and help each other through the tough processes.”

Some of the group’s recent efforts include a chemo care package donation drive for cancer patients, which they organized in collaboration with Massey. They also recently had a table at a blood drive hosted by the Chickahominy Baptist Association and participated in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

Those who want to attend future events with SCAC can follow the organization on social media. The organization’s Instagram page is @StudentsCaringAboutCancer. The group also has a website and a Ramsconnect page.