Hillel Center for Jewish Life holds designer jeans sale to raise money for National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

Classes, work, tests, parties, and friends - these are the thoughts on the minds of most college students.

Junior in Engineering Samantha Blum, however, is thinking about raising awareness for ovarian cancer.

On Tuesday, a designer jeans sale took place at the Hillel Center for Jewish Life to raise money for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

Blum, along with her sorority sisters from Sigma Delta Tau, sponsored the event to spread awareness of ovarian cancer to all college women. The jeans and shirts were provided by a distributor who purchased them from departments stores. Designers also provided jewelry and artwork, with all proceeds being donated to the coalition.

The coalition was established in 1995 with the goal to "raise awareness of ovarian cancer, in communities across the country and to provide education, support, and hope for women with ovarian cancer and their families," according to its Web site.

Blum said that this cause is close to her heart because her mother has been battling the disease for more than 10 years.

"Watching her struggle with this awful disease for so long and not being able to help her was breathtaking," she said. "I have always given my mom love and support, but I feel that donating to an organization like the NOCC that can provide her - and other women like her - with the support she needs to win her battle with ovarian cancer."

National Director of Operations for the coalition Luann Anderson said that there is no test or known cause for the disease, but there are some symptoms, including pelvic pain, urgency in urination, upset stomach and increase in weight.

"The best thing a woman can do is have ongoing communication with a doctor, because early detection can save lives," said Anderson. "Just last year we lost a 20-year-old and now our goal is to break the silence and spread awareness."

Students from all across campus attended the sale to support the cause. Juniors Erin Brown and Abbie Orme from the sorority Kappa Alpha Theta came to support Sigma Delta Tau and Alpha Epsilon Phi, and to give back to the community.

"I liked that all the proceeds go to the NOCC," Brown said. "I feel like I'm supporting my fellow sisters."

Associate Director of Hillel Amy Dicker was happy to see that all sorts of students attended the sale despite their busy lifestyles.

"It's great that college students in the midst of an environment that encourages individualism still were able to come and support this cause," Dicker said. "The University is geared towards me, me, me, and this sale is about us."

Blum said she feels strongly about the fact that college women need to be aware of this disease because it can be contracted by anyone.

Visit www.ovarian.org for more information on the disease.