The week of Oct. 17, Villanova’s Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority chapter will host its week-long philanthropy fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. 

The Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG)’s Zeta Iota chapter at Villanova, and the chapter at large, devotes time to their core mission of serving and helping those affected by breast cancer, as well as organizations working to cure the disease. 

Villanova’s chapter partners with multiple organizations for the fundraiser. BreastCancer.org is an online platform devoted to helping breast cancer patients find information, support and community, while also working as a donation space for those directly impacted. The website has discussion forums, educational content and multiple sections for those either diagnosed with breast cancer or who know someone diagnosed with the disease. 

KKG also partners with the Lankenau Medical Center located in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. 

Pilar Wisor, senior Kappa member and the chapter’s Philanthropy Chair, explained the specifics of the Lankenau partnership.

“Usually, we partner with Lankenau Medical Center to provide care packages,” Wisor explained. “This year, we have partnered with the Foundation for Hospital Art to help provide art for women undergoing chemotherapy and radiation at the Lankenau location.”

Since 1984, the Foundation for Hospital Art has created over 50,000 paintings for over 7,500 hospitals in 195 countries in order to bring more color into the often unimaginably difficult circumstances of those in hospitals, according to the Foundation’s website.

Kappa Kappa Gamma is set to partner with Villanova’s Sigma Chi fraternity chapter to create these paintings for the local hospital.

As for the Breast Cancer Awareness week fundraiser itself, KKG is planning on having a week of tabling on campus. Students can expect to buy doughnuts with the potential for other treats for the cause. 

Aside from tabling, the chapter also does other fundraisers throughout the year. In the past, Hoops for Hope, an annual basketball tournament, has been widely popular, attracting students from all walks of campus to participate to raise money for Breastcancer.org. In 2021, the event raised over 3,000 dollars. 

The members of Kappa Kappa Gamma incorporate a personal touch to the week as well. 

“We assemble gift baskets for family members of KKG members who have family members undergoing, or have undergone treatment,” Wisor said.

Breast cancer awareness is a philanthropic cause close to KKG’s heart, with many members personally affected and/or impassioned by its mission. 

“As women we all have a risk of developing breast cancer,” Wisor said. “Breast cancer personally impacts many women in our sorority whether through family members or themselves. Everyone is passionate about the cause and this week is just one way we exemplify that care as a chapter.”

The chapter also participates in other philanthropic endeavors, such as the cause, “Reading is Fundamental,” which supports building a more literate society through reading with young children.

Upon returning from Fall Semester break, the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority will be in full force raising money for breast cancer awareness with severe dedication and a passion that is reflective of many of the philanthropic campaigns of respective Villanova Greek life chapters.