Support Katelyn Irwin's Be Bold Go Gold Campaign

In 2018, when I was in third grade, I was perplexed why schools have a “Go Pink” day for Breast Cancer Awareness 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 (he is now nearly seven years cancer free and nine years old!), 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. and fast forward to 2021, where I raised over $18,000! All funds raised I divided between three charities to help make an impact on families in our community experiencing childhood cancer. They are The Ripple Project, Trent’s Touch, and The Marshal Fisher Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Fund at UF Health.

-Katelyn Irwin

The Ripple Project

Vision:

A world where no child suffers from cancer! Where groundbreaking research, compassionate care, and unwavering community support combine to create a future where childhood cancer is a thing of the past.

Mision:

Our mission is to eradicate childhood cancer through raising funds to support research, walking beside and encouraging families, and advocating to ensure every child facing cancer receives the best possible care and opportunities for a healthy future. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by pediatric cancer, one family at a time.