Nearly 60 participants turned out for the SMU Law School’s “Race Judicata” benefiting breast canser on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009. Photo courtesy of Ben Nicholson
With the increasing number of charity walks and races publicized in the Dallas area, it is sometimes easy to overlook the stories of the people behind them, and those who benefit from the money they raise.
The Susan G. Komen “Race for the Cure,” the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” and the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s “Walk for Wishes” are among countless examples of events designed to engage volunteers and donors in something more rewarding than the experience of writing a check.
As a community commonly known for wealth and prestige, SMU is also known for giving back.
The Dedman School of Law and the Student Bar Association hosted the annual “Race Judicata” 5K on campus Oct. 3, 2009. The event benefited the American Cancer Society and raised more than $1,500 to support ongoing research to find a cure for cancer.
Nearly 60 law students, faculty, staff and community members were present to race, including cancer survivor, Diana Garcia.
Garcia, an SMU senior from Duncanville, Texas, is a “Hero of Hope” for the American Cancer Society, and was on-hand to cheer on the racers.
“I’m just really excited that so many people came to this event,” Garcia said.
“It’s a really good way to raise funds, and even though it may not be tons of money, it’s still really appreciated,” she said. “If everyone could come together to do something like this, we could really do a lot for research.”
Ten years ago, Garcia was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a form of cancer that is known to peak in young people between the ages of 4 and 12. She is now in remission.
Garcia is one of two people selected to serve as an ambassador for the American Cancer Society within the Dallas-Ft. Worth region. She regularly attends events like the law school 5K to tell her story and help put a face on an issue that affects so many. She will graduate from SMU in May with a degree in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs.
According to the American Cancer Society Web site, in Texas, nearly 100,000 people currently have, or have recently been diagnosed with some form of cancer in 2009. Nationwide, that number approaches 1.5 million people with current or new cases. The most common sites for cancer growth include the lungs, breasts, colon, prostate, skin and blood.
Jessica Edwards, a second-year evening law student, thinks there’s something to be gained from getting involved with non-profit organizations beyond solely raising money.
“[Racing] is a fun, healthy way to … interactively give back to charity,” Edwards said. “It’s not as passive as just giving money – everybody can just give money.”
Jennifer Larson, president of the SMU Student Bar Association, was pleased to see some of her professors and classmates sneak away from their desks and books for a few hours to raise money for cancer research.
“I think any time we can get law students to take a break from their studies and come out and do something for the community, it’s a benefit,” Larson said.
“We have very, very busy students,” she said. “The fact that we have 1Ls, and 2Ls and 3Ls all out today taking a break from those studies to focus on something that’s not law school-related is really exciting for us.”
Last year’s Race Judicata benefited The Winston School of Dallas, an institution that specializes in educating students with learning differences and disabilities.
