When Austin was 17 and a high school senior, he learned firsthand the impact cancer can have. He was diagnosed with leukemia. Austin endured intensive treatments, lost his hair, and spent three months in the hospital. Now a senior at Arkansas State University and a brother in the Theta Chi chapter of Sigma Chi, Austin is committed to giving back by raising funds for Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI).
Of course, having cancer makes Sigma Chi’s mission important to me. But it was my Sigma Chi brothers’ support during my cancer treatments that made me understand how the funds we raise can affect someone’s life on the most personal level.
Austin Slater
Sigma Chi, Theta Chi chapter
Arkansas State University
Austin’s chapter is one of 174 across North America that are passionate about supporting HCI’s mission. They are committed to be the generation to end cancer. Since 2005, Huntsman Cancer Foundation has been the philanthropic partner for Sigma Chi. Each year, fundraising efforts center around a "Derby Days" week of Sigma Chi chapter-sponsored activities.
In 2015, Sigma Chi pledged $11 million within seven years—the largest pledge in the history of a men’s fraternity. In 2019, they further illustrated their commitment with a new, more audacious pledge of $20 million that is dedicated to and used for women’s cancer research, treatment, and wellness at HCI. Because Sigma Chi’s fundraising relies heavily on partnerships with campus sorority members, this new pledge acknowledges the impact of women in their lives.
In January 2020, the 11-millionth dollar was raised, completing the original $11 million pledge two years earlier than anticipated.
"Women like my mom are affected by cancer every single day, every single year. We are going to do whatever we can so other boys’ moms won’t be affected by cancer."
Blaze Aranzullo
Graduate of Beta Epsilon chapter, University of Utah
"I was never personally affected until my grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away. This experience fuels my passion to advocate for a cause close to my heart. With this common ground, we are the generation to end cancer."
Lauren Lewallen
Sigma Chi’s 36th International Sweetheart Member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, Central Michigan University
"I remember watching my childhood best friend lose his mother to cancer when he was 12 years old. My heart really hurt for him. I fundraise for Huntsman Cancer Foundation because it just comes down to gratitude—trying to give back to something."
Andrew Luna
Undergraduate of Theta Sigma chapter, California State Polytechnic University Pomona
"We fundraise because we know it is going to a cause that affects all of us. I also know personally that the researchers at HCI are working so hard. The money we raise is for advances that help people now and will help more in the generations to come."
Brooke VanBrocklin
Member of Chi Omega sorority, University of Utah
Daughter of HCI researchers
Sigma Chi Gifts and Pledges
