In an effort to think pink, the Associated Students of Ventura College (ASVC) is lending a helping hand and sponsoring a student in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
Raquel Rivera, 31, hopes to raise the $1,800 necessary to join the marathon, and she has turned to ASVC to help her reach her goal.
“What she’s doing is great and it’s for a really good cause,” said ASVC President Kea Kanamu. “We’re always here for the students, and she knew that she could come to us for our support.”
On Wednesday, March 17, Rivera, the sole member of her team, Rack ‘N’ Roll, organized a bake sale in the campus quad from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Through ASVC’s sponsorship, Rivera was able to get Jamba Juice and Fresh ‘N’ Easy to donate to her cause. Twenty percent of the funds raised through Jamba Juice would go to Rivera, as well as 100 percent of the money made from the Fresh ‘N’ Easy products she sold.
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer does not take place until Sept. 11 and 12, but, according to Rivera, she needs to start now to raise the necessary funds.
“It’s a lot of money to raise but over the next few months I’m confident that I’ll reach my goal,” she said. “I hope to make more than the required amount to donate.”
For the last few weeks, Rivera, who received her bachelor’s degree at UC Riverside and is currently back in school and taking classes in psychology, criminal justice and addiction, has been organizing events that will raise money for her cause.
“I’ve been recycling bottles, going door-to-door [and] reaching out to my neighbors,” she said. “I usually go around with my dog, who is also my walking partner, and he sells kisses for $1.”
Rivera’s determination and passion for this cause has caught the eyes of many students on campus.
Gemma Akers, a 24-year-old nursing major, is among the many who donated to the Jamba Juice fundraiser.
“It’s very heartwarming to see someone go through all this trouble just to raise awareness,” said Akers.
Rivera has already raised approximately $570.
“It costs $100 for an uninsured person to have a mammogram,” she said, “and if I reach my goal of $1,800, it means I can pay for 18 people to have a preventative screening for breast cancer, which is kind of an amazing thought.”
Rivera initially volunteered to check in participants at the event, but after attending an informative meeting, she was inspired to participate as a walker. Rivera has had her own personal scare with cancer and wants to raise more awareness on the issue.
“I was previously diagnosed with skin cancer, and I have a three-inch scar that reminds me everyday of the ways I can help others to become more aware of the dangers of cancer,” she said.
To donate to Rivera’s cause and for information on upcoming fundraisers, visit her website at www.avonwalk.org/goto/raquel.rivera.
