Students at the USF Health College of Nursing turned their compassion into action by rallying their peers to participate in the 18th Annual Miles for Moffitt 5K. Led by Olivia Wilder, president, and Emily Morris, vice president, the Nursing Students鈥� Association (NSA) united 11 nursing student organizations to support cancer research and showcase the power of community.
Their efforts contributed to a critical cause and highlighted the unique spirit of Bull Nurses鈥攚here students go beyond the classroom to make a meaningful impact on the world.
The College and Moffitt Cancer Center share a robust partnership beyond classroom experiences.
鈥淢offitt provides amazing support for our students,鈥� said Elizabeth (Betty) Jordan, senior associate dean of student success. 鈥淭hey offer exceptional learning experiences, scholarships, and research opportunities. USF students recognize Moffitt鈥檚 important contributions to cancer care and research and embrace opportunities like Miles for Moffitt to show their support.鈥�
For several months leading up to the event, Wilder and Morris worked diligently to involve as many USF Health nursing students and faculty as possible. Eleven nursing student organizations collaborated, ranging from the Black Student Nursing Association to Veterans Entering Nursing. Each organization selected a specific cancer to highlight, with participants wearing corresponding-colored t-shirts on race day.
鈥淏oth organizations mean a lot to me鈥攆inding a way to give back was something I was ultimately looking to do,鈥� shared Morris. 鈥淐oordinating Miles for Moffitt for the College of Nursing was exactly what I was looking for. Collaborating with fellow students to do something bigger than ourselves for our community and cancer research was just a bonus.鈥�
The USF Health College of Nursing Miles for Moffitt team raised $2,481 for cancer research.
NSA hopes to continue this new Miles for Moffitt tradition for many years.