THE START OF MY GAP YEAR AND END OF MY NINTH SUMMER OF JUGGLING AND FUNDRAISING!

For many, going back to school at the end of summer is a normal milestone. But, for St. Jude patients, returning to school can feel like a miracle.

September 1st marks the start of Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Each September is an important month for me to reflect on my efforts and develop my future involvement in the pediatric cancer world, as well as with my St. Jude friends.

Pictured above is Riku, a friend very dear to me. For those of you who have followed my work in the past, you may remember that Riku was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 3. Now 7, Riku is gearing up for the start of 2nd grade, cancer-free thanks to St. Jude! Now living in Japan, Riku and his family are doing great, and I hope to see him soon! I’m so proud of him!

Riku isn’t the only one starting school! Last week, St. Jude posted the above photo of St. Jude patient, Griffin, marking his first day back at school as a St. Jude patient. He is about to start Pre-K and his treatment for leukemia. I hope you’ll join me in rooting for Griffin and the thousands of others like him!

On September 1st (this Thursday), I will be leaving for a gap program for two months in the American Southwest—the official start of my gap year! Although I will be without internet access for all of September and unable to share the importance of pediatric cancer awareness month with you all during that time, I am as committed and excited about my work as ever, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my St. Jude journey, as a member of a new NorCal Development Team. And when I return home, I’ll also continue my work advocating for young people to find their purpose through social impact.

As always, you can donate to St. Jude here, to help give hope to families facing childhood cancer.

Thank you for the support, and I’ll be back in November!

~Hollis