In 2018, when I was in third grade, I was perplexed why schools have a “Go Pink” day for Breast Cancer in October, but there was no mention of Childhood Cancer or ‘Going Gold’ the month prior. After living through my 11-month-old brother’s diagnosis with Leukemia back in 2013 and watching him undergo treatment at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, I recognized the need to raise awareness for Childhood Cancer. I approached my principal, and in 2019, I started a “Be Bold. Go Gold.” campaign at my school (Roberts Elementary.) I raised $2,500 that year through an online fundraising account and selling gold donuts in partnership with Dunkin’. Each year, my efforts have continued to grow with new fundraising endeavors and awareness projects. Fast forward, by 2023 raised over $100,000 for various charities and research initiatives focusing on pediatric cancer. As the campaign continued to grow, the need to establish our own 501c3 became apparent. In 2024, The Ripple Project was founded. Be Bold, Go Gold will remain as the signature fundraiser for the organization each September while expanding our awareness efforts year-round and being able to offer grants to families being affected by pediatric cancer for therapies, travel and more. Visit therippleproject.net for more information.