The Justice

Media Credit: Courtesy of Nadine Channaoui Colleges Against Cancer Preisdents Katy Agule '09, far left, and Nadine Cannaoul '10, next to her, pose at a fundraiser

To Katy Agule '09, a recipient of the 2008 American Cancer Society's Excellence in Advocacy Award, raising awareness about the threats of cancer is much more valuable than any sum of money raised. When asked how much money she has raised for the American Cancer Society thus far, Agule said she didn't even know.

Since 2007, Agule has been raising money for cancer awareness through various fundraisers, most significantly Relay for Life.

"The more people that quit smoking because we're outside handing them quitkits or giving them the information about the dangers of smoking, that's for me the most important part," Agule said.

This past November, Agule, along with 11 other volunteers, received the New England Division 2008 Excellence in Advocacy Award for their active dedication to the American Cancer Society and its missions, which according to the organization's press release are to increase cancer awareness "through state legislative initiatives and campaigns." Her understanding of the importance of activism and advocacy earned her the award.

When asked if she knew she would receive the award, Agule said, "I had no idea. I was very surprised."

Agule initially planned on attending veterinary school after Brandeis, but she is now considering law school instead. Her career plans took a turn after her first American Cancer Society divisional summit in November 2007. Agule, who has dark hair, a confident stare and a professional demeanor,attended this summit in preparation for the first annual Relay for Life at Brandeis. The Student Athlete Advisory Committee, of which she is co-president, organized the relay.

Although Agule initially went to the summit because of her involvement with the SACC, she said she was "very touched" by the summit and subsequently became heavily involved in Relay for Life.

This year marks the American Cancer Society Relay for Life's 25th anniversary, 25 Years of Hope. Relay for Life is an all-night fundraiser in which sponsors donate for each lap completed by teams of runners and walkers with the first lap performed by cancer survivors. Relay for Life is dedicated to those battling cancer, those who beat cancer and those who were lost to cancer.

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