UA News

Students hope to raise twice as much as they did last year for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which is known for its research on and treatment against pediatric cancers and diseases.

Students have been collecting addresses for a major letter-writing and fundraising campaign for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the fight against children's cancers.

The University of Arizona student-led fundraising drive is part of Up ‘til Dawn, a nationwide campaign at college and university campuses where students write letters asking for monetary donations for the hospital.

On March 7, UA students will hole themselves up in Wilbur's Underground at the Student Union Memorial Center from 6:30 p.m. until midnight to participate in the campaign and philanthropic program, which is now in its second year at the UA.

Meanwhile, University Medical Center is currently constructing Tucson's first children's hospital, which will be connected to UA's Steele Children's Research Center.

Called the Diamond Children's Medical Center, the facility will be family-centered with 116 beds in various units. The hospital will provide serves that support the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of the children and their families. The hospital's construction is expected to be completed by next year and is part of UMC's expansion project.

For now, Up ‘til Dawn "unites faculty, students, the community and sponsors in a goal to help the kids of St. Jude," said Angela Chu, a member of the program's executive team at the UA.

Last year, UA students raised about $18,000 and want to double that amount this year, said Chu, also a UA communication senior.

More than 300 students have signed up to participate at the UA this year, and they are working in teams of up to six people. Each person has been asked to compile a list of at least 50 addresses.

The letter-writing campaign will include food, music, entertainment and raffle prizes. Also, St. Jude patients and their families will talk about their experiences at the hospital.

St. Jude, which is located in Tennessee, is considered one of the nation's foremost medical facilities for treating children with cancer and other diseases. That includes treatments for leukemia and lymphomas, tumors and sickle cell.

The National Cancer Institute reports that cancer "is the leading cause of death by disease among U.S. children between infancy and age 15," with the major types being leukemia and brain tumors.

Jenna Wilson, who is the team leader for Delta Delta Delta, said her sorority became involved because she and her sisters are well aware of the need for research and treatments against pediatric cancers.

"We wanted to get involved and we're gathering as many addresses as we can from family and friends anywhere in the country," said Wilson, a UA anthropology senior, whose sorority is also called Tri Delta.

Wilson said the program was the perfect fit for Tri Delta. The sorority's national organization already raises funds for St. Jude.

"We want to give back," she said, "and also make it more a part of our community here."