the problem:
Teenage Cancer patients have to go through a lot during treatment. Being a teenager myself, I know how concerned the age is about appearance and these teens are already dealing with the stress and discomfort of chemo and radiation. Fashion with Compassion has collected donations of hats, scarves, bags, t-shirts, and jackets from garment companies in California such as Quiksilver, Roxy, Rhythm, and D.C. Shoes, to give to patients to lift their spirits but also make them more comfortable about how they look while they lose their hair, etc. The project has also held garage sales to collect funds to purchase gift cards that are given to patients as a token after each treatment to make the experience more positive.(see the article about our most recent sale attached) To date the project has collected over $18,000 in donated items and purchased $1100 in gift cards.
vital stats:
people impacted:
500
people involved:
50
why it's important:
My grandmother passed away from colon cancer three years ago and my other grandmother is a breast cancer survivor. Their struggles motivated me to try and help patients my age that are going through the same difficult process. After a visit to the only pediatric oncology hospital in my county, I noticed that there was a great deal of donations and support for very young children and many programs available to adults, but not a lot for kids my age. I feel like the teens are in need of serious encouragement as well. Cancer does not discriminate by age, race, or sex, but there is definitely less emphasis placed on the teenage patient and I feel like the teens are in need of serious encouragement as well. I am not the only person who feels that we need to help patients. Everyone has been touched in some way by cancer whether a relative, friend, or neighbor has been diagnosed. Helping these kids also helps their families and the people that care about them.
the plan of action:
After my visit to the hospital, I started sending letters to California Apparel Manufacturers requesting donations for my project. I also started a youth club with my friends to think of other ways we can raise money to provide donations to the teen patients. The donated items have been dispersed though a variety of organizations that the local Am.Cancer Society office works with. I am also the Youth Community Site Counsel representative for my county which gives me the opportunity to speak to professionals and business owners to spread the word and help make connections on what we are trying to accomplish. Our next goal is to hold an event where these kids can come and collect the different donated items while we also have booths for fun things for them to do. Such as food booths, make up sessions, manicures, a d.j. or band and dancing, etc. A "Fun Day" for the teens. We are soliciting local vendors in the community to participate and raise awareness. The areas where product is being dispersed is currently in the process of expanding to three other counties so we can help approximately 1200 more individuals.
how you can get involved:
Contact companies or businesses to ask for donations that can be given to teen patients through the Am.Cancer Society. Cash donations can also be collected to purchase gift cards or items that these kids can benefit from. Their families are strapped from the cost of their treatments so any help with items to encourage and support them is important.
project updates:
