Our chapter sweetheart was kind enough to share her story with us about her own familys fight against cancer. I encourage you all, if you have family or friends who have been affected by this terrible disease to share your own stories on this page. We need to remember why were doing this and that ultimately were on the same team fighting to raise money for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. People often question why Sigma Chi and their Philanthropy mean so much to me. The answer to that is my dad. My dad embodies every characteristic of an amazing father. He is smart, funny, caring and the only man I know who can stay positive no matter what he’s going through. Three years ago was the start of what seems to be an endless journey for my family and I. I will never forget the day my mom sat me down, separate from my four other siblings, to tell me that the most important man in my life was diagnosed with Stage III Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer). The feeling I felt then was nothing like I’ve ever felt before; I thought the world was crashing down. From the initial diagnosis and on, my family stuck together and we have all been along for the ride… what has seemed to be an endless roller coaster. The last three years have been nothing like what I originally expected them to be. The years have been filled with four invasive surgeries, intensive care recovery units, hospital beds in our home and three different and types of chemotherapy treatments. Unfortunately, my dad has not responded to any of the treatments and the cancer continues to metastasize to different major organs. He is currently on his fourth type of chemo, we are all praying it will work, as the treatment options are running out. Being the strong man he is, my dad is continues his fight and takes it day by day. Along with family and my sorority sisters at Alpha Phi, I especially have the brothers of Sigma Chi to support me through this difficult journey. I also need to thank my brothers of Sigma Chi for giving me the opportunity to be involved and support an amazing philanthropy; a philanthropy that means more than the world to me, because it signifies a potential cure for my dad and so many others who are out there fighting. Sigma Chi Derby Days gives everyone, including myself, the chance to raise money and support The Huntsman Cancer Institute. Being the sweetheart of this fraternity provides me the opportunity to make a difference, especially because of the personal connection that I have to this cause. This year, my goal is to support the Zeta Nu chapter in any way possible to fund this amazing institute. I can only hope that not only the Greek life here at WMU but also the whole campus will join me, and my brothers of Sigma Chi, in the fight against cancer not only during Derby Days but all of the days following. - JoMarie Pagano, Sigma Chi - Zeta Nu Sweetheart
Posted on: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 17:21:20 +0000
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