The Science National Honor Society (SNHS) kicked off their annual fundraiser, Pennies for Patients, on Jan. 30 to raise money for cancer awareness.
This year, the SNHS will be raising money for patients with lymphoma and leukemia. Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in immune system cells called lymphocytes and creates uncontrollable cell growth. Leukemia is a blood cancer where the white cells constantly multiply. Over one-third of teens who have cancer are diagnosed with leukemia.
During Atom Time, SNHS members and students met in the auditorium to see how this year’s fundraiser would play out. On top of participating in something that could greatly affect lives, students received extra credit for showing up to the meeting.
To start of the meeting, Claudia, a member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, came to AHS and talked about the two diseases and her appreciation for the fundraiser. A short video of patients with cancer was played afterword intended to motivate viewers to raise money.
“My strategy is to work diligently, only looking towards our goal,” junior Ahyeong Park said. “When I think of people who are suffering and dying because of blood cancer, I really want to do anything to help them. I would love to give them hope and light to the darkness in their lives.” Park is the vice president of SNHS.
Last year, SNHS raised $3,500 with the Pennies for Patients collection. This year, their goal is $5,000. SNHS has thought of many creative activities and events in order to raise money.
“The Pennies for Patients campaign is a great way to spread awareness,” junior Amelie Trieu said. “The events are not only fun and interactive but it’s also for a good cause. Last year, Penny Wars was a competition between classes, but this year we have both the battle between classes and genders. Something really creative that the SNHS officers came up with was the idea of selling chocolates and roses around Valentine’s Day. Personally, I really like the Penny War because it’s a great way to donate to a great cause. Every penny counts!”
Bake sales will be happening after school near the auditorium and cafeteria. Penny wars will be held during each lunch and will have different competitions such as boys vs. girls, battle of the classes and pieing your choice of teacher. Movie night, A Date for a Rose and Chocolates for a Cure will start later next month. On movie night students will be joined by cancer survivor Daniel Eisig to watch his favorite movie; Toy Story 3. Buying roses and chocolates for Valentine’s Day is another way the SNHS plans to raise money. Finally, A Date for a Cure will be happening in February, where junior and senior boys can auction themselves during Atom Time for a date. All the money raised from these activities will be donated to the cause. Students will also be able to donate money online.
“I would love to see all the students and staff getting involved in all the events we are hosting,” Park said. “We would love the entire school to be part of our campaign.”
