Monday, December 12, 2016
Mon, 12 Dec 2016 | Asa Keimig | LUCOM Marketing and PR Coordinator
LUCOM-Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) hosted its third annual Pancakes for Parkinson’s fundraiser this past Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Center for Medical and Health Science.
A suggested donation of $5 guaranteed Liberty faculty, staff, and students as well as guests from the Lynchburg community an opportunity to eat as many pancakes as they desired. Pancakes were served hot and fresh in addition to a variety of toppings such as fruit, chocolate chips, Nutella, powdered sugar, and syrup. Guests filled their plates with pancakes, their cups with coffee, and mingled amongst each other while supporting a great cause.
Pancakes for Parkinson’s brought awareness to a disease that is often forgotten about except by those who are dramatically affected by it. This year LUCOM-SOMA raised $510, an amount higher than previous years, and was sent directly to the Thomas Hartman Center for Parkinson’s Research at Stony Brook University. “The impact made during our event will spread further than we can even imagine since it helps fund research that will affect thousands of families,” said Stevie Vetter, student-doctor, LUCOM-SOMA President. “Each family has a different story, but many of them share the same need of comfort and encouragement to continue to fight against the effects of this disease.”
Vetter’s goal through the event was to better prepare student-doctors for life after medical school by increasing their awareness of Parkinson’s. “It’s a disease affecting a large patient population,” he said. “This event shows student-doctors that there are many ways to get involved in medical treatment, such as a ‘simple’ fundraiser which can have a huge impact on thousands of people.”
The event was aimed towards helping the community understand the impact that Parkinson’s Disease has on patient’s lives and the research that is ongoing at institutions like Stoney Brook. LUCOM embraces Christian values that are embodied by loving others, compassion, joy, patience, peace, and humility. These values are embraced and supported by each faculty and staff member as they strive to create an environment that is encouraging both academically and spiritually.