Vincent Jones II, Chair of the Philanthropy Committee at Delta Sigma Theta. Photo courtesy of Eric Pan
When Vincent Jones II and the men of Delta Sigma Theta at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy in St. Louis, MO decide to celebrate March Madness, they don’t just do a bracket in their living room, they decide to go to the nth-degree and host a charity basketball tournament.
The March Madness for Colon Cancer Awareness 3 on 3 Tournament celebrates all that is basketball and is being planned by the Delta Sigma Theta Philanthropy Committee for Friday, March 9 at the college athletic facility. Funds from registration fees and donations are being given to the Colon Cancer Coalition / Get Your Rear in Gear to further education and awareness for colon cancer.
“The guys in our fraternity are athletic and enjoy basketball,” stated Vincent Jones II, chair of the PhilanthropicCommittee at Delta Sigma Theta. “We knew we wanted to do an event with the March Madness theme. Many of our committee has been touched in some way by colon cancer, either through family or friends, with March being Colon Cancer Awareness Month, the connection was natural.”
The men of Delta Sigma Theta. Photo Courtesy of Eric Pan.
“We feel that colon cancer often flies under the radar in terms of conversation and awareness, but it affects so many people,” continued Jones. “We hope this tournament will help get the word out about the importance of screening, because if the cancer is caught early, it is more easily treatable. We hope to get people talking with their families and friends about family history and screening.”
This is the first year for the Delta Sigma Theta’s March Madness Tournament, but Jones and his committee hope is grow the event in years to come into a month-long campaign of education and fundraising. The first year has already gained lots of interest around campus. Registration is $15 for a team. For more information or to register call Vincent at 618-719-9935 or email vjones@stlcop.edu.