by Nicole Banka ’24

Calling all Kennedy students and community members! Starting January 20th, a Leukemia and Lymphoma campaign run by two of our students is accepting donations. Organized by Caroline Majano (‘24) and Gabriella Rado (‘24), the goal of the campaign is to raise $50,000 by March 10th towards cancer research and financial support for treatments and hospital visits for cancer patients. The following are a series of messages from the organizers about why they decided to start the campaign:

“I decided to be a part of this campaign because I have seen the devastating effects cancer can have on its patients and loved ones. In 2017, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. The fear we all had in the very beginning was awful. But, soon after her diagnosis, she had surgery that removed the cancerous tumor, and she began to recover. In 2010, my grandmother, on the other side of my family, was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer. However, after treatment and prayer her diagnosis took a turn for the better. As she recovered, my entire family realized how fragile life could be.” – Caroline Majano

“When I became aware of this campaign, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to be a part of it. My family has always understood how it can be extremely difficult for people to afford good healthcare. I want to ensure that every cancer patient focuses on what their main goal should be — to survive.” – Gabriella Rado

The effects cancer has on its victims and their loved ones are devastating and the silent
disease will only continue to infect more people as the years progress, which is why this campaign is so important. After hearing about all of this, I’m sure you must be wondering how you can help out, and the answer is there are multiple ways! Supporters can send donations to this link. Other ways to help are simply to spread awareness and post on social media. Right now, the team members are looking for people to voice any potential corporate sponsorships they can help obtain, and three auction items (or experiences) worth over $250 by February 24th to be sold at a silent auction which will be the grand finale of the campaign.

All information and updates can be found on the Main Fundraising Page, Facebook, and Instagram. For any questions or to learn more opportunities for support, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]