The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) hosted its third annual Chemo Angels event Wednesday, creating almost 100 cards for young people undergoing cancer treatment.
The event took place in the University Student Union and was open to anyone who wanted to drop in. The cards were made for infant to teenage patients who receive treatment at Miller Children’s Hospital at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
“I think it’s good that we get involved with other students on campus to give back to the community,” said Carly Ingersoll, vice president of community service for NSCS.
According to Ingersoll, the Chemo Angels event has grown into one of the chapter’s most popular events, both with students and the recipients. In past years, NSCS members received thank you letters from the hospital that children really enjoyed the cards and that they hoped the group could do it every year.
“This is our best event,” said Panagiota Hatzis, vice president of public relations for NSCS.
Students wrote various messages for the young cancer patients. Ingersoll made a card that read “You are beautiful” and was decorated with pink flowers and dragonflies.
Russel Casella, vice president of planning for college success for NSCS, created a card with an underwater theme: fish stickers swimming in hand-drawn water.
“Believe in yourself” was the message written by Michelle Dail, also a NSCS member, on the front of her card. Dail added “and be the princess you are” on the inside of the card and adorned it with both a crown and castle.
Brenda Herrera intently stenciled “Sunshine” on her card, with a cheery sun highlighting her creation.
Nearby, Krystle Pleyto, Jewelle Delgado, John Guevarra and Diana Pagdilao all write their own messages on their cards. All are members of Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed fraternity dedicated to community service. They said they all saw the NSCS event flyer and decided to lend a helping hand.
According to the NSCS Web site, “The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is an honors organization which recognizes outstanding academic achievement among first and second-year college students and encourages members to develop leadership skills through community service.”
