Charles Hinchcliff, of Mayo, Florida, has to visit the hospital 10 times a week.
But Hinchcliff lives 83 miles away from UF Health Shands Hospital.
The 56-year-old, who has stage 4A head and neck cancer, goes through radiation twice a day, Monday through Friday.
That’s why Sara Stevens wore a pink, sparkly bra over her shirt on campus Thursday.
The 21-year-old and was raising money for UF’s Relay for Life team, which donates money to the American Cancer Society. The money funds research, supports patients and spreads awareness about all types of cancer, Stevens said.
Stevens, the event lead of UF’s Relay for Life, helped her team raise $1,040 Thursday.
The UF Relay for Life team came up with the idea to host a bra decorating event Wednesday night. After the seven participants decorated their bras, they would wear them over their clothes around campus until they had individually raised $100.
The money raised partially goes toward American Cancer Society Hope Lodges around the country, including the American Cancer Society Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge, which is one of three Hope Lodges in the state of Florida. A Hope Lodge offers cancer patients who live far away from hospital or treatment sites, like Hinchcliff, a place to stay.
Hinchcliff found out Gainesville had a Hope Lodge through the American Cancer Society. It has provided a temporary home for him throughout his treatment process. The center has everything he needs except for food and toiletries, he said.
“The people here are very friendly and personable,” Hinchliff said. “They know you by name and interact with you if you need anything. It’s a great place to stay.”
Stevens, a UF interior design senior, first developed her interest in Relay for Life her freshman year of high school when her grandmother Esther, or “Bubba,” passed away from lung cancer. Stevens hoped the bra-decorating event would raise money and morale.
“Lots of people were looking at me, but everyone was smiling,” Stevens said. “The bras were very pink so I think people definitely knew what we were supporting.”
Mackenzie Ward, a 21-year-old interior design senior, is excited to raise money for all cancer research and places like the Hope Lodge, since family members of hers have passed away from cancer.
“Too many people affiliate (Relay for Life) with just women because of breast cancer, so by having these events we are helping educate the young students of America,” Ward said.
Hinchcliff said he’s thankful to be staying in the Hope Lodge, which shuttles him to his treatments and gives him a warm bed to sleep in.
“The Hope Lodge is a blessing,” he said.
