Finding my voice hasn’t always been easy.
I’ve spent a lot of my life feeling like I had to live up to expectations and unrealistic standards. Because of that, I’ve always wanted to use my voice to help people who are fighting battles of their own. When I discovered the opportunity to fundraise for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, I knew it was a chance to do something bigger than myself.
I’ve seen firsthand how much lives can change when people rally around a meaningful cause. I also have many personal connections to people who have battled cancer, and hearing their stories has had a lasting impact on me. Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and that reality showed me just how important it is to raise awareness and support research.
I wanted to make a difference while I was still young. I wanted to become the advocate that someone else might need. Thanks to the incredible support of my community, what started as a simple idea grew into something far beyond what I ever imagined.
Using My Creativity to Raise Money for Pediatric Cancer Research
Art has always been one of my greatest passions, so it felt natural to use my creativity to raise money for childhood cancer research.
I started making handmade bookmarks, bracelets, and keychains that I could sell to support my fundraiser. My goal was to create something beautiful that everyone could enjoy while making it affordable for anyone who wanted to help. Each item cost no more than $5, but people were incredibly generous and often gave much more than the asking price.
In the end, I raised $1,517.94.
I didn’t have the budget for a large production or expensive supplies. Instead, I spent weeks creating everything by hand using materials I already had at home. There were plenty of long days, but seeing my community come together to support the cause made every moment worthwhile.
My Biggest Fundraising Secret
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that passion makes all the difference.
Whenever I sold my products or asked for donations, I never wanted anyone to feel pressured. Instead, I focused on sharing why this cause mattered so much to me. The more heart I put into everything I created, the more people connected with my story.
People weren’t just buying a bracelet or bookmark—they were becoming part of the journey.
One of the biggest reasons my fundraiser grew was because I wasn’t afraid to put myself out there. I stood in the middle of my school hallways selling my handmade items and proudly shared what I was raising money for. The more visible I became, the more conversations started, and those conversations turned into encouragement, support, and donations.
People are inspired by genuine passion. When they can see how much a cause means to you, they’re often eager to help however they can.
My Advice for First-Time St. Baldrick’s Fundraisers
If you’re thinking about fundraising for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, my biggest piece of advice is simple: go for it.
You’ll never be this age again, and there’s something incredibly rewarding about pursuing a cause you truly believe in. If helping fund pediatric cancer research is important to you, don’t wait for the “perfect” time to start.
Reach out to your local community, friends, family, clubs, and small businesses. Ask for encouragement as much as donations because both matter more than you might realize. Not everyone will be able to give financially, but their support can help keep you motivated throughout your fundraising journey.
Don’t be afraid to share your personal connection to the cause. Cancer has touched so many families, and your story might inspire someone else to get involved.
One practical tip I’d recommend is starting with a short video introducing yourself. Share who you are, why you chose to support St. Baldrick’s, and what this mission means to you. People love supporting someone they can connect with, and your authenticity will always matter more than having a perfectly polished fundraiser.
There will be moments when you feel discouraged—I certainly did. But it’s important to remember why you’re doing it. Every dollar raised helps fund childhood cancer research and gives families hope for better treatments and brighter futures.
At the end of the day, I don’t think anyone regrets raising awareness, supporting children with cancer, and helping move research forward. Whether someone donates, shares your fundraiser, or simply offers words of encouragement, every act of support makes a difference.
I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who believed in me and supported this journey. This experience reminded me that you don’t need a huge budget or years of experience to make an impact. Sometimes all it takes is passion, creativity, and the courage to take that first step.
