Extracurricular Spotlight: Cancer Kids First

Envisioning the plight and sadness of children suffering from cancer who are spending their days in hospitals, facing treatment, and feeling sadness compelled Isabella Law ’26 and Isabella Vitorino ’26 sought to establish a Cancer Kids First (CFK) chapter at the Mount.

 

Their persistence paid off when they learned on the morning of November 1 that CFK officially granted the Mount chapter designation!

 

CFK is the world’s largest youth-led pediatric cancer nonprofit and strives “to normalize the hospital environment and build a supportive community for patients through five service programs.” Chapter members mobilize collections of handmade cards, crafts, toys, books, hospital resources, medical equipment and more.  

 

“This topic means a lot to us,” said Isabella V. “Although it is easy to think that we are only students, we can do so much to help raise awareness and encourage children with cancer.”

 

Isabella L. added, “To know that someone is supporting you is important. The Mount is a school that focuses on service and people in our community have good hearts and I know they will do anything they can to support such a good cause.”

 

“I am proud of their persistence and initiative,” said Kelly Donnelly, the club’s advisor and Theology Teacher. She added that both Mounties are going through an extensive application process to formally establish a chapter on campus and have met virtually with representatives from the national chapter of Cancer Kids First one Sunday morning.

 

As they look toward specific goals for the club, both Mounties and Mrs. Donnelly agree that advocacy, education, and raising awareness about children with cancer and their specific needs are key priorities. They also plan to make cards for patients and the club hopes to host a toy drive.

 

“It makes me so sad to know that children can spend so much time in a hospital trying to get better,” said Isabella L.

 

“Adults have a hard enough time dealing with cancer,” added Isabella V. “Yet, children are so young with a life to live. They deserve all of our support.”

 

The Cancer Kids First club will meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month in Room J417. Join this important initiative and spread awareness and encouragement to children suffering with cancer!

 

To learn more about CFK, visit www.cancerkidsfirst.org.