THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE RELEASE
DANVILLE – At the end of October, the Cancer Registry and Health Information Technology (HIT) programs at Danville Area Community College (DACC) hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser to support local patients undergoing breast cancer treatment at OSF HealthCare. Proceeds from the event will directly fund Comfort Bags, which provide essential items to ease patients’ treatment journeys.
The fundraiser featured a variety of breast cancer awareness-themed items for sale, including t-shirts, insulated water bottles, pins, sunglasses, and homemade treats baked by Professor Marcie Wright. Thanks to the generosity of the DACC community, the event surpassed its fundraising goal of $500, raising a total of $625.80.
“All items sold were donated by DACC employees and students,” said Program Director Kelly Johnson. “It was heartwarming to see the incredible support from our community. This event highlighted the compassion and unity that define DACC.”
The fundraiser was supported by office administrator Katelyn Roberts, Professor Wright, and students from the ELEVATE program. ELEVATE participants are enrolled in the Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (ICAPS) program, allowing them to pursue both an Illinois High School diploma and a college-level certificate in Public Healthcare Billing Management.
The funds raised will enable OSF HealthCare to provide Comfort Bags for local breast cancer patients. These bags include items such as port shirts, designed to make treatment sessions more comfortable and accessible.
Beyond financial success, the event resonated on a deeply personal level. One ELEVATE student shared that participating in the fundraiser gave her the courage to encourage her mother to follow up on a suspicious imaging test. “This is exactly why we hold events like this,” Johnson said. “It’s not just about raising money—it’s about raising awareness and providing hope.”
A check presentation for the proceeds took place on Friday, November 22, marking the culmination of the DACC community’s effort to support local breast cancer patients.
For more information about the Cancer Registry and HIT programs at DACC, or the ICAPS ELEVATE program, please contact Kelly Johnson at k.johnson@dacc.edu. DACC is currently enrolling for the Spring semester.
