Biola University students are helping support the fight against cancer through different on-campus organizations like the Love Your Melon Campus Crew and Biola’s new chapter of Colleges Against Cancer.

Love Your Melon [LYM] is an apparel brand whose mission is to give a hat to every child battling cancer in America while supporting nonprofit organizations that are leading the fight to find a cure for pediatric cancer.

"I love kids and I hate cancer,” said Bri Irons, senior education major and Biola LYM vice captain. “Love Your Melon supports two of my passions: putting smiles on kids' faces and finding a way to shut cancer up.”

Fifty percent of all proceeds from Love Your Melon products are donated to partners working in the field of pediatric oncology, funding cancer research initiatives and providing immediate support for families of children battling cancer

Biola’s LYM campus crew, made up of 20 students, visited Children’s Hospital Orange County for National Superhero Day in late April. The ambassadors dressed up in superhero costumes, passed out hats and apparel and met the children and families battling pediatric cancer.

“Superhero day was an incredible experience,” said Lauren Peterson, sophomore public relations major and crew captain. “Getting the opportunity to meet these incredible kids and their families is the best part of being a part of Love Your Melon. They really do define what a superhero is.”

LYM now has more than 742 campus crews and more than 11,000 ambassadors at different colleges all over the nation. Ambassadors raise awareness for childhood cancer by representing LYM at promotions and sales events, and they personally engage with different charitable programming initiatives.

Another group on campus joining the fight against cancer is the new Biola chapter of Colleges Against Cancer [BCAC]. The chapter is part of the nationwide collaboration of college students, faculty, and staff who are dedicated to eliminating cancer by working to implement the programs and mission of American Cancer Society. The four initiatives they work with are advocacy, cancer education, Relay for Life, and survivorship and caregiving.

Senior nursing major, Janet Suh, began the chapter in spring 2016 in honor of her father who passed away from stage four lung cancer in summer 2015.

“His life was a testimony of God's grace as he outlived his prognosis by two whole years even when the doctors said he didn't stand a chance,” said Suh. “He left a legacy for me to love God and to love others well. BCAC is a fruition of that calling — to love the Biola community well by providing support and the hope of Christ to those who are affected by cancer.”

On May 14 at 9 a.m., BCAC is partnering with La Mirada Relay for Life for a 24-hour event at Splash! La Mirada to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The event will bring together the community as a way to honor cancer survivors, remember those who have been lost, and raise funds and awareness to fight back and help end cancer.

“My role is to inspire the Biola community to join in this same vision so that those who are battling cancer and caring for a loved one with cancer will never have to fight alone,” said Suh.

BCAC has put together a team of 16 participants for Relay for Life, but they still have room for others to join. To get involved with BCAC and La Mirada Relay for Life, visit their Facebook page for more information on chapter meetings and future events.

In addition, to become a part of Biola’s Love Your Melon Campus Crew or to get more information on their organization, visit their Facebook page.

Written by Daryn Daniels, iBiola intern. For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, media relations specialist, at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.