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With one in 285 children in Wisconsin diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20, students at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh are igniting action with purpose to raise awareness about the issues surrounding childhood cancer research.

Five UW Oshkosh public relations students have been participating in the year-long Bateman campaign competition put on by the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

Their campaign, Ignite Action With Purpose, features two events and a comprehensive public relations plan.

The students are working for With Purpose, a nonprofit that is dedicated to ensuring children with cancer have safe and effective treatment options.

“Even though childhood cancer is a difficult topic to discuss it is something that needs to be talked about,” said Catie Schultz, a member of the Bateman team.

The founder of With Purpose, Erin Benson, started With Purpose after her son Sam was diagnosed with cancer and she learned that only four new drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for childhood cancer treatment in the last 30 years.

The students’ campaign goal is to inspire and encourage young adults in the Oshkosh community to get involved with the fight against childhood cancer.

“We are trying to increase awareness of With Purpose’s mission and educate the Oshkosh community about the lack of childhood cancer research in order to ignite local, youth-led change,” Monica Salmeri, a member of the Bateman team, said.

Paint with Purpose

On Feb. 23, community members can Paint With Purpose. This all-day paint event takes place at Fire Escape in Oshkosh from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. During the event 15 percent of proceeds will benefit With Purpose. Attendees will have the option to donate their artwork to childhood cancer patients at local hospitals.

On Feb. 24, the community is invited to a social at Mahoney’s Restaurant and Bar in Oshkosh from noon to 3 p.m. where donated artwork will be displayed and attendees will hear from With Purpose founder Erin Benson. There will also be a drawing for prizes from local vendors.

To learn more about Ignite Action With Purpose visit:

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to contribute calendar items, campus announcements and other good news to UW Oshkosh Today.