On Nov. 8, at Wright State University, an event was held by the Interfraternity Council (IFC) to raise awareness for mental health, men’s testicular cancer and prostate cancer.
The event
On Nov. 8, a basketball tournament with teams of three, called "Check Your Balls," was put on by the IFC at WSU. This event took place in the Student Union gym from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., inviting people interested to create a team of three players and contribute a cost to play in a tournament, $25 per team, or $10 per person spectating.
This was not the only way the IFC raised money. They also included chances for people to enter a raffle for baskets filled with goods. For people not interested in playing in the tournament, there was music and yard games such as corn hole.
Ashtin Dexter is IFC's President, and a junior Biological Sciences student who talked about what it means to participate and support this event.
“Obviously first it helps spread awareness for these challenges that go unnoticed and it also provides support for the people going through these challenges everyday whether it be cancer or another men’s physical challenges or even just mental health in general. Then it also helps build community especially going to a smaller school like [WSU], it helps build connections and community that you otherwise might not have,” Dexter said.
The money raised partially goes to Movember, an annual event where men are encouraged to grow a mustache to symbolize healthier men and a healthier world. This money goes toward spreading the word on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Donations can be made through the Movember website.
Another foundation this event funded is the JED Foundation. This foundation is to protect mental health and prevent suicide in young adults and teens by giving them the support needed.
Donations can be made at the JED Foundation website.
The IFC was able to raise over $350 for testicular cancer awareness and research.
Dexter stresses that spreading awareness and talking about these issues can inspire people to pay attention and ask questions.
“I think just normalizing physical checkups like a healthy body goes a long way. So, reminding people to get those physical checkups at doctor's offices or even just checking in with a friend about how your day is and how your mental is going and doing that, and it not being a sign of weakness or a sign of your lesser than somebody because we all go through that,” Dexter said.
Education on this topic is crucial for IFC and the council's work is to improve the WSU community.
