May 1, 2002

Contact: Gabriel Roland, Kappa Alpha Psi, (785) 312-2294, (785) 766-0907 or (785) 218-8230.

Fraternity sponsors events to raise money for cancer prevention and awareness

LAWRENCE -- Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, along with the University of Kansas, is sponsoring "Cancer: A Love Story," an event on Thursday, May 2, and Saturday, May 4, to promote cancer awareness and prevention. The fraternity hopes to make the event an annual occurrence.

"Originally we were going to do something for prostate cancer, but then we started thinking that cancer doesn't only affect men, so we decided to extend it to all types of cancer," said Gabriel Roland, Kansas City, Kan., junior, Kappa Alpha Psi member and event coordinator.

At 7:30 p.m. May 2, KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway will be part of a candlelight ceremony at Wescoe Beach to honor cancer victims. Students and other participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences with one another. A poetry reading and singing are scheduled to follow.

On May 4, a three-on-three basketball tournament will be conducted to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Teams may have up to five players, and both men and women are encouraged to play. There is a $15 donation per team. The KU men's basketball team will referee the game.

Also on May 4, Kappa Alpha Psi has planned the "Celebration of Life Bar-b-que" at Holcomb Park, 2700 W. 27th St. Music, food and games will be free to tournament participants. Others will be asked to donate $1 for admission.

Kappa Alpha Psi hopes to compile a book to commemorate the event and plans to donate the book to the university. Anyone can donate money and place an ad in the book. The ads can include a picture of or dedication to those who have lost their lives to cancer. All donations of $5 or more can receive a half-page ad, and donations of $10 or more can receive a full-page ad in the book.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Cancer Foundation. For more information, contact Roland at (785) 312-2294, (785) 766-0907 or (785) 218-8230.