Cedarville Pharmacy and Pink Ribbon Good Advancing Breast Cancer Support
Cedarville pharmacy students team with Pink Ribbon Good to study how support services improve breast cancer patients’ treatment and quality of life.
One in Eight Women Face a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women in the United States — 13 percent — will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.
Students Partner to Improve Quality of Life for Patients
As women navigate the emotional and physical challenges of the disease, undergraduate students from are partnering with to conduct research aimed at improving patients’ quality of life.
Pink Ribbon Good Provides Support Services
Pink Ribbon Good (PRG), a nonprofit based in Dayton, Ohio, collaborates with local and national healthcare providers to serve women and families affected by breast and gynecological cancers by offering free healthy meals, rides to treatment, house cleaning essentials and peer support.
University and Nonprofit Collaboration Takes Shape
The collaboration began when Dr. Rachel Parrill, a 1997 nursing alumna, reached out to , professor of pharmacy practice, about partnering on PRG’s ongoing research efforts. Parrill, now the director of grants and foundation relations at PRG, connected Cedarville’s pharmacy program with the organization to explore how its services may improve treatment adherence and quality of life for clients.
Hands-On Research with Real-World Impact
“This research experience allows students to explore how nonprofit organizations evaluate programs designed to improve cancer treatment adherence and quality of life for patients and their families,” said Parrill. “These projects serve as real-world applications of how research and scholarship can inform meaningful partnerships between healthcare systems and community-based nonprofits.”
Four Projects Explore Patient Support Outcomes
Through four group projects, pharmacy students are researching how PRG’s transportation services, educational resources and overall support impact patients’ cancer treatments and symptom management. These projects are ongoing and will continue throughout the fall and spring semester.
Project 1: Presenting on Transportation Services
Project 2: Patient Perceptions and Survey Data
Also led by Craig and Straka, this project examines patient surveys and perceptions of care.
Project 3: Literature Review of PRG Services
Anna Thompson of Spotsylvania, Virginia; Zachary Roberts of Fillmore, New York; Colin Salois of Canton, Michigan; Cara Chadwell of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan; and George Sarfo of New Albany, Ohio, are conducting a systematic literature review of the impact of PRG’s services on cancer patients.
Project 4: Interviews Reveal Personal Impact
Led by Nehal Wadnikop of New Brunswick, Canada; Nicole Habib of Ontario, Canada; Merin Jacob of Bergenfield, New Jersey; Tafara Hunyenyiwa of Dayton, Ohio; Chloe Winter of Cordesville, South Carolina; and Hailey Hanenberger of Harrison, Arkansas, this team is interviewing PRG patients to explore how the organization’s services influence their quality of life and cancer treatment experiences.
Gaining Experience While Supporting the Cause
By conducting research for PRG, pharmacy students are gaining hands-on experience in clinical research, interviewing and collaboration. As they work to identify the tangible benefits of PRG’s care, they are contributing to the fight against breast cancer and helping connect patients and families with the resources and support they need.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers and residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at .