Event will benefit new cancer support network

Several campus departments have joined together to host an event and establish a network to support students, faculty and staff members who are facing a cancer diagnosis or have a family member battling the disease.

“Cancer Warriors Network” will be held Monday, January 28, from 4-6 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center, room 2270. Wellness organizations such as Gilda’s Club, Colleges Against Cancer Student Organization and the American Cancer Society will provide resources; the event also includes a silent auction.

Ingrid Johnson, assistant professor of movement science, was the catalyst behind the idea of a campuswide support group. Last year, Johnson was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She started talking to other people whose lives were affected by cancer and the idea of establishing a support group for students, faculty and staff members, and their family members, began.

“The Grand Rapids community offers a range of support options for cancer survivors but I didn’t find what I was looking for on Grand Valley’s campus and I think it’s important to have that network at a place where people spend a majority of their time,” said Johnson.

Sue Sloop, Work Life Connections consultant, worked closely with Johnson to plan the Cancer Warriors Network. “This is a very unique concept and one that we hope will really impact all of Grand Valley, including students and families,” Sloop said.

Sponsors of the event include the American Cancer Society, Human Resources, Women’s Center and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Silent auction items include tickets to the Detroit Pistons, Grand Rapids Griffins, a Vera Bradley bag, among other services and merchandise. Proceeds will benefit the network.