Diamondback Online - The University of Maryland's Independent Daily Student Newspaper

While the average college student was most likely still sleeping off the night before at 9:30 a.m. this past Saturday, the Greek community was up and at 'em. With coffee in hand, well more than 100 people got up bright and early to raise money for a family member of a sister in the community, whom many didn't even know. Most students know every fraternity and sorority has a good cause they work together to contribute to, but this time it was different. This time it was personal.

A Greek Community member's uncle, who is like a father to her, was recently diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, the worst form of the disease. After two rounds of chemotherapy, his final option is a bone marrow transplant. This procedure costs $300,000 and 100 percent of the money must be paid upfront. The family's insurance policy only covers $200,000 of the medical bills.

This 40-year-old man served six years in the Navy. He is married with a 19-year-old son and a 14-year-old daughter. The family has created a fund in his name to raise money for the operation.

With hope and determination to save her uncle, who better to turn to than her sisters in Kappa Delta sorority? After explaining the situation to her chapter, word spread, and soon there was outstanding support from the entire Greek community. With no questions asked, the Greeks have come together to help in more ways than any person could ask.

In locations all around the campus, members from nine different fraternities and sororities willingly stood out in the rain to fundraise on Sept. 30. Popular intersections in surrounding areas were covered with fraternity and sorority members telling the story and asking for any contributions. Although tired and maybe even hung over, together the Greek community alone raised just more than $10,000. Who would have thought that standing outside for a few hours with a bucket and a sign could raise that much money?

Although this is a small fraction of the money needed for the operation, the impact such an action must have made is unexplainable. Imagine waking up and finding out that more than 100 people you have never met are giving up their Saturday for you.

As a member of Kappa Delta, I cannot express my gratitude and thanks enough. Chapters with no connection to our sister came out and helped us in our effort to save her uncle's life.

Greek life is often depicted in a negative light for reasons that boggle my mind. Contrary to popular belief, it is not all about toga parties and keg races. There is so much more to the organization than just getting wasted and hooking up. It is situations like this that remind me why I am a member of the Greek community and why I wear my letters with pride.

The Greek community truly defined the basic ideals of its organization through a few hours last Saturday morning. The cohesiveness the Greek community showed is something that is very rare to find. This simple event exemplifies the bonds and ties of brother and sisterhood each chapter holds so dear. The community's effort to help this family got to the root of why organizations such as these exist at all.

While Greek life definitely offers you a fun and social environment filled with lots of friends and parties, the most important aspects of the organization are often overlooked by both members and non-members alike. These became real to me in a whole new light this past weekend.

As my chapter as well as many other chapters continue to support and help this family, our only hope is to bring this man one step closer to the surgery that will hopefully save his life.

For more information on how to donate, please contact me by e-mail. Any contribution makes a difference.

Shannon Sterritt is a junior communication major. She can be reached at sterritt@umd.edu.

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