More than $200 was raised for the American Cancer Society on Saturday, Oct. 10. Students from around campus and the community gathered with their dogs to participate in Bark for Life.

Colleges Against Cancer, an Oswego State organization, hosted the event in the Hewitt Quad. This was the first year that Colleges Against Cancer put on Bark for Life.

Students and members of the community walked laps around the main academic quad with their dogs. Tables were set up, selling dog treats and hosting fundraisers to help raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Organizations such as Vega, Oswego State’s women’s junior and senior honor society, came to help support the fight against cancer.

“Canine companions often provide cancer survivors with unconditional love and joy,” said Erica Bentley, Colleges Against Cancer’s co-vice president. “By taking the time to celebrate life with our dogs, we can honor the care they have given to so many in need around the world.”

During Bark for Life, dogs and their owners participated in many activities, including Simon Says. Freshman Alexus Grady had fun playing Simon Says with others and their dogs.
“It was a lot of fun watching the other people and their dogs play Simon Says,” Grady said. “But it was even more fun watching some of the dogs get tired and lay down in the middle of the game.”

The dogs and their owners also participated in events such as a loudest bark contest, the best trick contest, limbo, a longest ears contest and a raffle.

There were about eight dogs in attendance throughout the event, in addition to the demonstration by a local canine officer.

All of the proceeds and donations go to the American Cancer Society to raise money for cancer research.

“Bark for Life is a great way to bring awareness of cancer to campus and begin raising funds for the American Cancer Society,” Bentley said. “It went very well and we’re hoping to make it an annual event.”

The Colleges Against Cancer editorial board first heard about this event from their advisor who had seen Bark for Life events on the American Cancer Society website.

“Our advisor thought it would be perfect for us,” Carmyn Santore, Colleges Against Cancer’s co-president, said. “We decided that Bark for Life would be easy to do and enjoyable.”

Colleges Against Cancer participates in many more events throughout the semester leading up to Relay for Life.

Almost every Wednesday, Colleges Against Cancer hosts a table in Marano Campus Center with educational materials and fundraisers. Members also have the opportunity to attend several American Cancer Society conferences throughout the year.
Colleges Against Cancer also assists with Pink the Rink at women’s ice hockey games. Pink the Rink is an annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Members of the women’s hockey team wear pink jerseys to show their support

for the fight against breast cancer. Admission into the game is free, but donations are accepted at the door.

At Bark for Life, Colleges Against Cancer announced the opening of registration for Relay for Life, in April 2016, which is Dr. Seuss themed.

“We’re really excited to begin planning this huge event to raise more funds for cancer research and provide support for those affected by the disease,” Bentley said.

Santore agreed and is looking forward to the upcoming events.

“It was a great start for this event,” Santore said. “We also signed up three teams for Relay for Life.”