APRIL LIU
Story: April lost three of her grandparents to cervical, lung, and pancreatic cancers. She established the first NFCR club at her high school. Through activities such as lunchtime mini golf and educational presentations at monthly meetings, the club raised over $6,000 and spread awareness for the cancer research community.
Latest: Due to the pandemic, the club was unable to host in-person fundraisers in 2020. On December 19th, she hosted a virtual game night fundraiser via Zoom. April looks forward to continuing her work with NFCR when she begins at Cornell University this fall.
Story: After losing her grandmother to pancreatic cancer, Katy wanted to find a way to honor her memory, while raising money to support funding scientific cancer research. Seeing how her family struggled with the reality of cancer, she wanted to be one to help so families in the future don’t have to experience the same thing.
Latest: Currently, from the support of over 100 family and friends, Katy has raised more than $15,000 through personal outreach and social media efforts and is excited to continue raising money to support the cause.
KATY GRAY
YUNSHU (PETER) QIU
Story: In 2019, Peter Qiu joined a youth-led initiative in the Washington, DC area to showcase his artistic talents as a way to raise awareness and funds to support cancer research. Peter participated in an art exhibit and sold original pieces of art to support NFCR’s mission.
Latest: Peter is the current president of a student organization, Youth Art Bridge, which uses art to raise awareness for causes. Between his artistic endeavors and birthday celebration, Peter has raised over $6,000 to support scientific cancer research.
Story: In 2016, the Key School student, Delaney Snowden, recruited four falls teams to participate in Play4TheCure and established “Marcella Yedid Athletic Week.” The event was named after the school’s former headmaster, Marcella Yedid, who died of colon cancer. For three years, Delaney structured the program and maximized success by organizing fundraisers, selecting game dates, and ordering Play4TheCure kits. Fundraising and awareness efforts included posting on social media, hosting bake sales, sending emails to the student body and creating posters. Since starting the event, Delaney and the Key School have raised $12,626.
Latest: Delaney will be attending Haverford College to continue her field hockey career. She hopes that Marcella Yedid Athletic Week continues at the Key School for years to come.
DELANEY SNOWDEN
MICHAEL YAN
Story: Three years ago, after losing one of his teammates from his swim team to bone cancer, Michael was determined to be part of the journey to help find a cure to eradicate cancer. Michael decided to use his artistic talents to host a local neighborhood art exhibit. Recruiting other local students, ranging from 6th grade through 11th grade, these talented artists showcased and sold their artwork to raise funds towards cancer research.
Latest: The inaugural Kenwood Blossom Art Exhibition raised nearly $6,000, with plans for another art exhibit planned this fall at the Landon School in Bethesda, MD. Michael is currently a student at Swarthmore College.
Learn More: Yan ’19 Recognized for Service Work
Story: Tina started a group called the Youth Art Bridge, which uses art to raise awareness for causes. When learning about NFCR and its work, she assembled a group of students to create and auction off original pieces of art to support cancer research.
Latest: Tina’s project has raised over $16,000 to date and fundraising efforts have been passed on to subsequent high school classes. She is currently a student at Amherst College.
TINA ZHANG
BRUCE HAN
Story: Landon School student, Bruce Han, wanted to raise awareness and funds to support cancer research after losing his grandfather to cancer. Utilizing his musical talents, he formed a jazz band with other classmates from his school. The Dodos Combo debuted at NFCR’s Annual Albert Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research Dinner and Award Ceremony in 2017.
Latest: The Dodos Combo performs at various events in the Washington, DC area, while raising awareness and funds to support the work of NFCR. Bruce is currently a student at University of Chicago.
Learn More: Han ’19 Recognized for Service Work
After losing her grandfather to cancer, Ally decided to create a Play4TheCure® team to honor his memory. Her grandfather taught her baseball, so Ally partnered with minor league baseball teams from around the country and established cancer awareness-themed games. The games educated others about cancer and the research conducted by NFCR-funded scientists.
Ally says: “I encourage my peers to become involved in their communities and learn more about cancer research and prevention.”
Latest: In just two seasons partnering with MiLB teams, over $7,500 was raised to support Research for a Cure. Ally is currently a student at Georgetown University.
Learn more: Check out Ally’s Crowdrise page.
ALLY MINKER
NANCY QUIN
Story: After interning with NFCR, Nancy decided to make a difference in the lives of others and co-founded the Cancer Fundraising Club at Walt Whitman High School in Maryland.
Latest: Nancy raised over $2,100 to fund cutting-edge research initiatives with her fellow Cancer Research Club members. She is now attending Cornell University for her undergraduate studies.
Getting started is easy! Just call us at (301) 654-1250 or email bwachtel@nfcr.org to let us know you’re interested in becoming a Youth Ambassador. A member of the NFCR team will help get you started in the program and help you brainstorm creative fundraising and recruitment ideas!
