After hearing about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through HOSA, juniors Asha Patel, Suvali Giridiran and Diya Patel decided to do their own research on the organization. Both having close family members who have passed from blood cancers, they felt personally connected to its purpose and decided to get a group from MHS involved: Team Hemoglobe. Another group, Team Capillary Action, was started by juniors Annie Fuller and Srilaya Baskaran in their AP Biology class after being told about LLS by a friend.
“We hope to make life saving treatments more affordable and accessible for those that need it,” Asha said. “My own personal goal is just to help as many people as I can, whether that be with the money we raise or the message we spread.”
Both groups, who are competing against each other alongside other groups from the Chicagoland area, started collecting donations Jan. 20 through the LLS donation website. Team Capillary Action also has additional fundraising events; Panera Feb. 14 from 4-8pm, Sweet Frog March 1 from 1-9pm and Chipotle March 5 from 4-8pm. The competition ends March 9.
“My grandfather was also diagnosed with skin cancer last year, and fortunately he recovered from it, but from a personal standpoint I can see the deeper value in helping patients and supporting them through such a difficult time,” Annie said. “That’s why I think it’s important to get as much support as we can and truly help others.”
