Hofstra University students gathered in the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center on Wednesday, Oct. 29, for a heartfelt event hosted by the American Cancer Society (ACS) Club. “Pumpkin Patch with a Purpose” was a fall-themed event that brought together students and different organizations to support those affected by cancer.
The event hosted by the ACS Club aimed to raise awareness for cancer research, patients’ stories and promote the university’s Relay for Life, which is one of Hofstra’s largest annual charities. The impact resonated deeply among participants who came together to paint pumpkins, listen to stories about Relay for Life and show support for cancer patients and survivors.
“Today’s event is really about engagement and awareness,” said Sabely Chavez, vice president of the ACS Club and sophomore early childhood education major.
“It’s a Halloween-themed pumpkin painting activity where students can decorate their pumpkins for any type of cancer awareness or just for fun. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s also about spreading awareness and creating a sense of community.”
Students arrived at tables decked with paint, brushes and pumpkins of all sizes, which they transformed into creative designs. Some students transformed theirs into pink pumpkins, designs like the breast cancer ribbon or even cartoon characters.
The club’s e-board greeted attendees and shared information about the club’s mission in providing support, fundraising for cancer patients and their upcoming events.
The ACS Club at Hofstra is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for those battling cancer, supporting initiatives like patient transportation, treatment assistance and temporary housing for patients in recovery. Their biggest fundraising event each year, Relay for Life, will take place on April 25, 2026. This year, the club aims to raise more than $24,000 for the cause.
“Relay for Life is a day to celebrate survivors and caregivers,” said Gabriella Deleon, ACS Club president and junior health science major. “It’s one of the biggest events on campus, all organizations come together, and it’s a time to remember, celebrate and give back. We want students to see that they can make a difference, even in small ways.”
Students from various organizations also attended to connect with the e-board and discuss upcoming collaboration for future fundraisers. The event used small activities as a reminder that raising awareness does not always have to be in the form of large crowds, but can be in meaningful participation and conversation.
“It’s really powerful to see students connect through something as simple as painting pumpkins,” Deleon said. “Events like this remind us that awareness starts with showing up and that’s exactly what these students are doing.”
Students were gathered around tables laughing and painting their pumpkins, while also talking about Relay for Life and how excited they are about having organizations for important causes on campus.
“I’ve been to a lot of [ACS] events, and I love doing service,” said Fatema Pricila, a senior criminology major. “It’s a great program where we can give back and show support. Events like this remind us that awareness matters, it keeps the conversation about cancer going.”
Other students shared the same message, noting the importance of combining service with community engagement.
“The [ACS Club’s] events are not only fun to attend but also give students the opportunity to make a change,” said Zeeza Zhangallimbay, a sophomore nursing major. “It’s important for me to stay involved in activities like this. They remind me that empathy is at the heart of healthcare.”
The ACS Club’s pumpkin patch event offered a message of awareness, compassion and community. Each painted pumpkin, whether designed for breast cancer awareness or made for fun, represented Hofstra students’ dedication to supporting those impacted by cancer.
“Even if it’s a small group, the impact is meaningful,” Chavez said. “Every person who attends helps spread the message and keeps the spirit of Relay for Life alive.”
