#64 - Donate to an important cause (45/101).

Me with my Grandfather Jess Belza

While a student at the University of Virginia, I co-led our university's Relay For Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. I co-led UVA's 11th annual event where more than 1,000 students and community members gathered for the year-long campaign's culminating 12-hour, non-stop walk-a-thon designed to raise funds and awareness for cancer and cancer research to show that cancer never sleeps. I was so proud of what we accomplished, raising over $140,000 for the ACS. The fight against cancer is a cause that is dear to my heart. I relay in memory of my grandfather Jess Belza, family friend Janet Goldberg, cousin Mike Nozik, and in honor of all my family and friends still fighting. I relay to find a cure in my lifetime and to live in a world with no cancer.

At the end of my time leading Relay at UVa with my friend Zoe, we passed on the baton to two amazing individuals, Kelly and Katie. Katie went on to lead Relay for Life at UVa for two years and this summer, while in the real world, decided to continue fundraising for the American Cancer Society through a campaign called "Miles for Trials". Katie is taking a cross country road trip with her grandmother (a breast cancer survivor) to raise awareness about the importance of cancer clinical trials as well as share the personal trials of cancer patients and their families whom they meet along the way. They are seeking donations to "sponsor" each mile as they travel from coast to coast. All donations go directly to the ACS who provides research funding that may lead to the next clinical trial or breakthrough to save a loved one. I donated to Katie's @milesfortrials campaign to support her on her cross country trip and to help in the fight against cancer. If you would like to donate to Katie's campaign as well, click here.

I am proud to support my friends, family and fellow Wahoos in fighting cancer to that we can live in a world where we celebrate more birthdays!