The Zeta Upsilon Chapter at the University Tennessee at Chattanooga recently raised $5,700 for Bash’s Roar for a Cure. The operation donates gift boxes, especially around the holidays, to support families struggling with pediatric bone marrow diseases and cancer. It was named after Sebastian who was born with STAT5B deficiency and fought for 10 months while developing many other health issues because of this extremely rare bone marrow disease.
“The disease is called “STAT5B deficiency,” commented philanthropy chair Smythe Kuebler. “This disease is a bone marrow disease. It prevents the development of an immune system. STAT5B deficiency has affected 13 people worldwide and only 2 in America.”
The chapter was inspired by Sebastian and his family and quickly raised the funds through two unique efforts.
“We raised $5,700 for this organization in two weeks!” Kuebler said. “One of the most innovative methods we took advantage of was the holiday seasons. The first week was around Valentine’s where we showed our reverence to women through selling flowers. Our second week was around Halloween, we utilized our house and created the Haunted Mansion.”
Giving back to those in need is expressed through our values of gentility and leadership and the benefit is not just experienced on those we serve and help.
“Through becoming Zeta Upsilon’s philanthropy chair, I have grown as a person,” Kuebler said. “Learning that every one of our members is striving to make the greatest change in our community, has inspired me to share the story of our cause, Bash’s Roar for a Cure.”
