KTSW Loves: Bobcats Against Cancer

By Leina Cantu

Co-Assistant Director of Community Relations

The newly formed campus organization, Bobcats Against Cancer (BAC), debuted this spring 2026 semester at Texas State University. This student-led organization aims to raise cancer awareness and foster a community of students passionate about helping those affected by the disease.  

Part of BAC’s mission is to represent individuals at every stage of their journey, such as those receiving treatment, survivors and people supporting their loved ones. This organization focuses on volunteering and raising money for cancer non-profits.   

I found BAC in its early stages before it was an official organization. After becoming an official organization, I spoke with the president and vice president to find out more about BAC, as highlighting this organization felt important to show how a small group of students is on a mission to make an even bigger difference.   

Founder and President Jayson Cabrera, a second-year health science major, said this organization was created to give students a way to contribute to the fight against cancer regardless of their major.  

“We’re not all scientists, but through this org we can do something to help,” Cabrera said.  

Cabrera explained that his inspiration to start Bobcats Against Cancer started while shadowing during clinical observations, as he met a patient undergoing cancer treatment. 

“I found out she was taking herself to treatments and celebrating finishing treatment without her family,” Cabrera said.  

After that moment, it encouraged Cabrera to reflect on how cancer has affected his own life, along with the people around him. After losing his uncle to cancer and his grandmother battling the disease as well, he realized how common and prevalent the disease was among communities.  

“We just want to have a community where people can just find other people with the common cause of helping others,” Cabrera said when asked about the purpose of the organization.

This organization emphasizes that it is open to students of all academic backgrounds, not just health-related majors. BAC hopes to allow students to meet new people, earn volunteer hours, and make new friends. 

Vice president and second-year health major, Brandy Bravo, explained the organization aims to provide its members with a platform to collaborate on the cause of cancer awareness through volunteer work, fundraising for healthcare non-profits and collaborations with Texas State, along with the San Marcos community.  

Although this organization is new to campus, its leadership has already set several goals. During their first semester, BAC aims to partner with local organizations, provide volunteer hour opportunities and become involved through meetings. They aim to have 20 members and to be both flexible and accessible to members. Their 2026 goals are to raise $1,000 towards Stand Up to Cancer, complete 350 hours of volunteering, complete a profit share and have 40 members.  

This organization has already begun making progress towards its goals. BAC has successfully raised over $700, surpassing their semester goal of $500. They also participated in the 41st Annual Great Texas River Clean Up in collaboration with the fraternity, Lambda Chi, and held their first on-campus meeting. 

As the organization continues to grow, Cabrera hopes more students will join the effort to support cancer awareness and community service. Bobcats Against Cancer welcomes every student who wants to make a positive impact.  

For more information about their upcoming meetings and events, visit their Instagram @txst.bac