Red Wolves for St. Jude kicked off “Cancel Cancer Week” Monday with one goal in mind: to end childhood cancer once and for all.

The organization hosted its “Life-Changing Table” event, where students donated to pie volunteers in the face, to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

Mireya Valencia, a sophomore nursing major from Rada, Arkansas, serves as a Red Wolves for St. Jude ambassador.

“Our table is basically like a competition,” Valencia said. “We have all of our fraternities, like Chop and Lambda Chi, and all their boys are lined up on the table. Whoever makes the most money at the end of the week gets their head shaved. We’re just trying to get more donations, and we’re doing really good right now.”

Valencia said she deeply believes in the cause.

“I believe that no child should have to go through cancer,” Valencia said. “They’re small, and that’s a huge part of their life. Every dollar counts, and every dollar gets us one step closer to our $75,000 goal.”

She said the event helps raise awareness about the gravity of cancer.

“It makes everyone more aware of how serious cancer can be,” Valencia said. 

Sophomore Emerson Gregory, a psychology major from Nashville, Arkansas, and recruitment director for Red Wolves for St. Jude, said joining the organization helped her find a passion and even inspired her future career path.

“I became an ambassador last year and really fell in love with the organization,” Gregory said. “Through all this, I’ve discovered that my career goal is to work at St. Jude. I’ve always loved doing volunteer work and fundraising.”

Gregory said the organization’s success speaks volumes.

“We’re actually the top collegiate fundraising chapter for St. Jude in the country,” she said. 

She said one of the most meaningful aspects of their work is ensuring that every dollar directly helps families.

“Our events are all done by sponsors and through our action fund,” Gregory said. “Families at St. Jude never spend a single penny while getting care. Housing and food are all provided. That’s why fundraising is so vital.”

Christina Green, a sophomore nursing major from Memphis, said her involvement with Red Wolves for St. Jude has grown since joining as a freshman ambassador.

“I joined as a freshman and was excited to see what events we’d do, but I didn’t know it would have such a big campus impact,” Green said. “Seeing everybody pile up at tables and support us is always super awesome.”

Now an executive member, Green said she is proud of the group’s teamwork and dedication.

“My proudest moment has been seeing the behind-the-scenes work and how our group comes together for something big,” she said. “This is our first big event of the year, and everyone’s excited to work. They’re getting friends out here. It’s just been super fun.”

Green said her motivation stems from her mother’s work at St. Jude and encouraged others to find their own passions.

“Whether it’s Red Wolves for St. Jude or not, join something you’re passionate about,” Green said. “Put your heart into it, and you’ll see lives change.”

The last event scheduled this week by Red Wolves for St. Jude is the “Cancel Cancer Rally.” The rally will start at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, in Centennial Hall at the Reng Student Union. 

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