BINGHAMTON, NY— The Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity of Binghamton University will hold a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and Israel Children’s Cancer Foundation from 6 p.m. Monday, April 13 through 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, in the MarketPlace, on campus.

The event will feature Jared Helfand, a brother of Alpha Epsilon Pi, who will sit in a rocking chair for 48 hours straight. In addition, Jillian Tapper, 2014 Miss New York pageant winner, will make a special guest appearance on Tuesday, April 14, where she will help to promote the fundraiser.

"Rock-A-Thon" is a nationally recognized event that is held by many AEPI chapters to raise funds for chosen charities. This year, the Binghamton chapter decided to donate to the American Cancer Society and the Israel Children’s Cancer Foundation because many of the brothers have been affected by cancer in some way, shape or form. "The world has made great strides for cancer research and cures, but we aren’t 100 percent there yet. We are ready and willing to reach our goal of $5,000 in donations to help and provide medical care for every cancer patient," said Gregory Flax, a first-year graduate student at Binghamton University.

When asked about his preparation and reasons for sitting in a chair for 48 hours,  Helfand said, "I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to raise awareness and funds that are needed for cancer research. What excites me the most is that I will be rocking now so that, one day, cancer patients can, too."

For more information, e-mail aepirockathon1@gmail.com, or visit Alpha Epsilon Pi on Facebook. Go online to view video or to make a donation: http://bit.ly/1Dnm3XV.