Childhood Cancer Awareness Week Unfolds

Two years ago at this time, childhood cancer was the last thing on Danielle Bensimhon's mind. This week, she attempts to bring it to the attention of an entire campus. September is now recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and this week Bensimhon has organized events to inform and raise awareness around the issue.

Eighteen months ago, Bensimhon was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer, Ewing's sarcoma, and she spent eight months undergoing aggressive chemotherapy. Arriving back on campus last spring, Bensimhon noticed how few people gave childhood cancer any thought. She decided to do something about it, and was sponsored by Assistant Dean Linda Gates to launch a series of activities aimed at bringing public attention to childhood cancer.

Bensimhom was concerned that much of the publicity surrounding the project focused on her personal story. "[This week] is not about me, it's about cancer awareness in general," said Bensimhon, adding that before she was diagnosed with cancer, she "was not aware of how many people had it."

Activities started yesterday and continue this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. in Wilder 112, at which time Bensimhon will speak about her life and the stories of those she met in treatment. She will also answer questions from the audience about her experience.

Saturday, music therapist Deforia Lane will give a presentation at 4:30 p.m. in Wilder 112. Bensimhon said that Lane "is basically a psychiatrist but with the added bonus of using music. She can sing you a song, get you to sing or bring other patients in to sing. It makes you smile and is a distraction."

On Sunday in Wilder Bowl from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bensimhon will be in Wilder Bowl with information and craft supplies. There will be materials available to make cards, pillows and crafts that will be brought to a hospital and given to kids in treatment.

Although there will be stickers and cards for sale, Bensimhon said, "This is not about raising money, its about raising awareness." Sophomore Emily Sutton encouraged people to attend the events and said, "This is a great cause, and Danielle has pulled together some really interesting activities."

As part of publicity for the project, Bensimhon put up posters downtown and around campus. Explaining the reasoning behind the poster design, Bensimhon said "One of the reasons people are not aware of childhood cancer is that most parents do not want to put their sick kid on a poster." The flyers she has posted around campus have pictures of children that she knows personally from her experience at the clinic, and she said, "That is why I was able to use their faces."