The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) first Students of the Year campaign exceeded all expectations, with 13 candidate teams, comprised of 20 extraordinary high school students, raising $313,316 to help find cancer cures. One of those student teams was from Culver City High School, led by Bailey Holiver.
Her chosen theme was “Focused on a Cure.”
“I want to be part of destroying this disease so that things like this become part of history and people no longer have to die from cancer,” Holiver said.
Bailey is a senior at Culver City High School. She is a gifted photographer who captures incredible moments at many of her school’s events and sports games and has her own column in the school newspaper focused mostly on sports. Bailey also has a clear passion for philanthropy. Starting when she was age 5, Bailey volunteered at various animal rescue organizations such Much Love, and Lange Foundation.
During the last five years, she have been involved with CONCERN Foundation, STOP Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness, just to name a few. Her photographing skills has led her to work with Culver City exchange Club, Rotary Club, and the Culver City YMCA. She also works for with Culver City New newspaper.
Bailey’s motivation for running this campaign runs deep as she has personally lost love ones to cancer, including her grandfather and two of her best friends.
Team Gus led by August Robertson, a junior at The Buckley School, was named Student of the Year, with more than $101,817 raised.
The Top Fundraiser Recognition Award connects the individual with one of LLS’s Research Portfolios. The portfolios include a variety of projects that focus on specific blood cancer research, so candidates may choose one that is meaningful to them.
“These students are an inspiration, they embody the idea that anyone can make a difference with hard work and dedication,” said Alana Seger, Executive Director of LLS’s California Southland Chapter. “What the candidates were able to achieve in seven weeks is truly amazing, and will have a tremendous impact on the lives of blood cancer patients and their families.”
In addition to top fundraising awards, candidates were recognized for their commitment to the LLS Mission, their leadership, and Philanthropic Involvement.
Participants in fundraising campaigns, like Students of the Year, are helping LLS make an impact on the lives of cancer patients, not someday, but today. LLS is leading the charge in exploring new paths to cures and treatments, with almost 300 cutting-edge research projects underway, many in the promising new areas of immunotherapy and personalized medicine. In addition to finding blood cancer cures, many of the treatments LLS has helped fund are now helping patients with other cancers and chronic diseases.