La Salle University Sorority Chapter Helps Support Mayfair Family’s Battle with Breast Cancer

What a range of emotions -- from extreme sadness, to hope, to pride and even honor. These stages are what La Salle University sophomore Megan Huffnagle of Mayfair has experienced over the last few months. Her mother, Patricia, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year, and it took a significant toll on her entire family.

Huffnagle moved passed the sadness towards a feeling of hope, and she looked to her sorority sisters in Gamma Phi Beta for that hope.

“When I came back to school, I tried to think of things I could do to support my mom, so I asked my sorority to participate in the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk” to raise money to stop breast cancer,” said Huffnagle, who is a marketing major. Her sorority sisters overwhelmingly agreed.

Jessica Werdmann, president of the chapter, said, “Finding a cure for breast cancer is a cause that we, as a women’s organization, feel is extremely important, and doing the walk is a way for us to show Megan support during a trying time.”

They started a team for the walk and began e-mailing friends and family to support the team with donations. The team also set up a table in La Salle’s student union building to collect donations, and wrote letters to the student organizations for support. After three weeks of fundraising, the team raised $1,380 towards the fight against breast cancer.

On a rainy Sunday last month, many sisters participated in the five-mile walk as a conclusion to the fundraising efforts. Megan’s mother also participated even after receiving a chemo treatment on the previous Friday, and served as a great inspiration to all. Megan Huffnagle said, “My mom was so proud that so many students would come out to support the cause of breast cancer, and they helped inspire her.”

by: Michelle Bauer