What is USAAC?

USAAC at the University of Michigan is an organization that strives to educate individuals about cancer, and to participate in activities that work to combat the different impacts from the disease.

History

University Students Acting Against Cancer was founded in 1989 by former Michigan student Robert Guttman. Rob learned at the age of nine that his mother had been diagnosed with cancer. However, it wasn't until he reached high school that Rob realized how close he came to actually losing his mom. When he arrived on campus in 1988, and learned that there were no student groups with direct ties to the American Cancer Society, he organized the first chapter of USAAC. There were seven people at the first meeting. Today, USAAC has grown to many more active members, and hundreds more participating in our monthly and annual events.

Committees

In order to educate and to minimize the negative consequences of the disease, we have become an organization with a diverse reach. We work throughout the year to offer the following:

- Opportunities to volunteer on and around campus - Educational events to increase student and community awareness about cancer prevention and research - Cancer Awareness Week- Breast Cancer Awareness- Ronald McDonald House volunteer opportunities- Locks of Love- Elementary Outreach program- Skin Cancer Awareness- Smokeout- LUNGevity- C.H.E.E.R.S and Sunshine activities - Opportunities for anyone impacted by cancer (survivors, family members, medical staff) to share their stories - Much, much more!

Who is USAAC?

While it is our members who make all the events we organize possible, there are a few individuals who make up the board and are the chairpersons for each event and committee. Additionally, there is an executive board comprised of Co-Presidents, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, who oversee the more general and logistical aspects of the organization.

Members that obtain "active status" are able to vote to appoint the Executive Board at the end of each school year. The Executive Board then appoints committee chairs (applications for committee chair positions are released following Executive Board elections)