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Chemistry Students Plan Fundraiser for Alumna Fighting Cancer

In support of alumna Jessica Bongiovanni, who three months ago learned that she has a rare form of bone cancer, the Association of Chemistry Graduate Students is hosting a pie-throwing fundraiser – the “Pie Your Chemistry Professor or Lab TA” event – in the West Quad area on Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 12:30 to 3:30 PM.

Bongiovanni, who is 25, has osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer which affects about 400 people a year across the United States. She learned of her cancer just ten weeks before her wedding, which has been postponed. She has been undergoing intense chemotherapy and her right leg has been amputated.

Jessica received her master’s degree in chemistry from UNC Charlotte in summer, 2011 and was one of four recipients of McKernan Research Scholarships from the Carolina Chemical Club in 2011. She continued in a Ph.D. program at Princeton University. Money raised will be placed in a trust fund that was created by her family to help her pay for rising medical bills, her prosthetic leg, a wheelchair ramp and daily living expenses. Her blog has more information.

The West Quad area is near the Barnhardt Student Activity Center, Cone University Center and visitors’ parking deck. All pie throws will cost $1, and donations will be accepted. Plastic bags will be available to protect clothing. The event poster is available here.