Text by MAYA MUKHERJEE
Photo by ANUSHE IRANI
Crusade against cancer Student-led team funds a cure for leukemia and lymphoma
C
hista Irani saw her grandmother and two friends diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma, two forms of blood cancer. Seeing an opportunity in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s annual fundraising competition, the Palo Alto High School sophomore rallied a team to email, ask parents and friends, and post on Instagram, raising over $5000. The Kure-Aid team, composed of high school students and led by Irani and fellow Paly sophomores Zora Wakelee and Hannah Huang, advocates for research on cures for leukemia and lymphoma. They recently wrapped up their annual fundraising campaign and are planning new projects to raise awareness about cancer and continue to fundraise. The money raised during the five- Chista Irani, Palo Alto High School sophomore and leader of the Kure-Aid team, works on fundraising month-long campaign will be given to planning. Irani, along with sophomores Zora Wakelee and Hannah Huang, led a five-month fundraising the LLS, a larger organization that fights campaign for a cure for leukemia and lymphoma, two types of blood cancer. “I started it [Kure-Aid] because I had some loved ones that were affected by it,” Irani said. I learned about it last year, and this year, I for a cure to blood diseases. decided to become a leader.” According to LLS’ website, over 1.5 million people in the United States have next year,” Wakelee said. said. “So I kind of want to do what I can or are in remission from leukemia, lymAfter Irani began the project, to help out in any way I can.” phoma, or a relatWakelee said she Going forward, KureAid wants to ed condition. “I think we have a lot to also got involved expand their projects past fundraising, acAlthough due to witnessing cording to Irani. the team did not improve on, but it was a what leukemia and It is also aiming to spread awareraise as much good first attempt and I lymphoma pa- ness about the conditions, and plans to money as they tients go through. put informative posters around the Paly hoped, according think we can learn a lot “My mom campus. to Wakelee, it was was a doctor and “Our goals are to raise more monfrom it for next year.” a valuable experiI see that she deals ey for LLS and also raise awareness,” — ZORA WAKELEE, Kure-Aid team ence. with a lot of can- Wakelee said. “Letting people know that leader “I think we cer patients and this organization [LLS] exists and that have a lot to imit’s really heart- they should be looking into it and trying prove on, but it was a good first attempt breaking to see how bad it is and how it af- to help out to fight leukemia and lymphoand I think we can learn a lot from it for fects people and their families,” Wakelee ma.”
22 May 2022
