Back in May 2024, I wrote a personal piece praising The Valerie Fund for the unsung support they provide to families dealing with a cancer diagnosis. During that month, I happened to be in the early stages of setting up a toy and gift card drive for the Goryeb Children’s hospital, where one of The Valerie Fund centers is located. Why was I holding this drive? Because I wanted to give back, yes, but there is a deeper reason behind that.
In December 2023, Jamey Crimmins, founder of Jam Kancer in the Kan, reached out to me with a unique opportunity to be a Young Ambassador for the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation. I have always been an avid fan of the New York Rangers, but hadn’t known about the foundation. Although I don’t play hockey, the fast-paced game is easily the most entertaining sport to watch. Lundqvist is one of the greatest goaltenders to ever play the game and his charitable work off the ice reflects his incredible personality.
I knew without hesitation that this was not something to pass up on. Growing up in a Rangers household and looking up to Lundqvist made the decision simple. As a kid, I went to a couple games and met former players. The team has always had a special place in my heart.
Being able to embody the Rangers organization through the YA program, I was eager to fill out the application attesting to my character and the reason why I wanted to be a part of the program. Fortunately, I was accepted into the 9th YA class a couple weeks after submitting my application.
Over the year as a YA, I planned and executed an independent service project (the toy and gift card drive), attended zoom meetings that featured partners of HLF, informing everyone about the amazing work they do around the world and I made a presentation to my fellow YA’s and the Lundqvists over a week ago about my journey in the program.
From the day I was inducted as a member of the empowering program, I had the inspiration to do a toy and game drive for the hospital that treated me. When I was in treatment, Kristin Holtzman, a child life specialist, and Ann Stocknoff, a social worker, were alongside me. Holtzman and Stocknoff helped coordinate the project and encouraged me to incorporate gift cards as a part of the donations.
I held the drive from September to October and raised $750 from a fundraising page, $750 in gift card money and collected around 50 toys and games. I know there is no amount of money or toys I can donate to cover the generosity of everyone who has supported me, but I was so delighted to present the physical donations and check to Holtzman and Stocknoff and leave the hospital believing I made a difference in a patient’s life.
This opportunity was truly an unforgettable experience. It taught me to take nothing for granted, along with the key message that any difference no matter the scale can have a profound impact on another human. I am fortunate to have had the privilege to meet the two individuals who started the foundation and represent both my community and their program.
Although my term as a YA came to an end, I hope to maintain my connections through HLF and take upon the rewarding opportunities offered to alumni in the future.
