Raising cancer awareness

A group of 15 IU students huddled in a cluster trying to fight off cold winds tearing across the corner of Jordan Avenue and 10th Street Monday night. One held a sign with the words "Sigma's Waging War Against Cancer" written on it. \nEight hours into the twelve-hour "Couch-A-Thon," the men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and the women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority were cold, but in high spirits.\nDonations from the "Couch-A-Thon" will go to the American Cancer Society.\n"Many students may not attend a seminar or lecture," senior Greg Watson, president of Phi Beta Sigma, said. "We thought that this would be the most effective way to raise money and awareness."\nWatson felt students would respond better to the "Couch-A-Thon."\nThe "Couch-A-Thon" was held from 10a.m.-10p.m. on the corner of 10th Street and Jordan Avenue.\n"By us being a younger minority population, we are doing something to raise cancer awareness," junior Kevonda Woods, Zeta Phi Beta member said. "A lot of young ladies are unaware of breast cancer."\nAlthough this is the first year for the "Couch-A-Thon," raising cancer awareness is a non-stop, year-round fund-raiser for Phi Beta Sigma on the national level, Watson said.\n"(Phi Beta Sigma) put the community first and ourselves second," Watson said. "Some of us have been very close to cancer and this is our way of raising awareness."\n"This is our way of giving back to the community," senior Richard Miller said. "Young people seem to be unaware of cancer."\nFor more information about the American Cancer Society go to "www.cancer.org" .