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Four people - 3 women and 1 man - stand together smiling in the middle of the University of Pittsburgh’s basketball court during halftime. They hold a large white check (about 2x4 feet) with a donation amount on it. Two young girls from the Pitt dance team stand on either side of the group, wearing pink shirts and black leggings, smiling and holding blue and gold pompoms. There is a crowd of spectators for the basketball game sitting in the stands in the background. A yellow banner hangs above them with “The Zoo” and “PANTHERS” written in dark blue letters.

Pitt Students Support UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

By: Shannon Kroskie Smith

Pittsburgh Attacks Cancer Together (PACT), a student-run organization at the University of Pittsburgh, is dedicated to strengthening the daily fight against cancer. Since 2015, PACT has been actively partnering with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

PACT’s 50-plus members range from freshmen to seniors and health care to business majors. Most of the members have some relationship with cancer, having battled it, witnessed a loved one’s journey, or considered oncology as a career path. The driving force for all members is a shared desire to make a positive, direct impact on cancer patients’ lives.

By hosting an annual spring Color Run at Schenley Park, canning at local sporting events, and participating in the University of Pittsburgh’s Day of Giving, PACT raises valuable funds for UPMC Hillman cancer patients. One hundred percent of fundraising dollars are contributed directly to patients and cancer research at UPMC Hillman.

Membership activities go far beyond fundraising. PACT students volunteer their time at UPMC Hillman, rounding on patients, working the front desk, or distributing the care packages they make to patients. Members assemble approximately 250 care packages annually for patients. The care packages are often themed (Halloween, Valentine’s Day, etc.) and include puzzle books, pens, candy, and stress balls, among other items.

Co-director and pre-med major Alison Ross shared that distributing the care packages is one of the most rewarding experiences. “The joy and gratitude of these patients and their families is beyond words and brings warmth to my heart,” she said.

Alex Tews, treasurer and a finance and economics major, echoed Alison’s sentiment. “It’s really rewarding to think that the little things we do just might make somebody’s day.”

In addition to assembling and distributing care packages, PACT has donated more than $100,000 to further cancer research efforts.

In February 2024, PACT presented UPMC Hillman with a $10,000 check. Their donation was commemorated on February 11, 2024, at the Pitt women’s basketball “Pink the Pete” game to bring awareness to breast cancer.

Pitt senior and three-year co-director of PACT Ann Kozak reflects positively on her involvement as a PACT leader. “I wanted to ensure we were making the biggest impact we could on the Pittsburgh community,” she said. “I am so proud of how much of a difference PACT has made in the lives of cancer patients with the care packages we deliver and the large donations we make.”