Tarmac Online

by Colin Cooney ‘28 

This winter, a group of Chaminade sophomores is proving that high school students can make a meaningful impact far beyond the classroom. Alongside friends from Garden City and nearby communities, they have launched a fundraising campaign for Blood Cancer United with an ambitious goal of raising $50,000 for blood cancer research and patient support. 

This effort officially kicked off on January 26th and will run through March 19th. Though the timeline is brief, the students’ dedication is substantial. They have written letters and emails, hosted bake sales, connected with businesses, and used social media to spread awareness about families who are fighting this disease. 

One standout initiative was a special CYO basketball event that took place at St. Joseph’s in Garden City, NY. On Saturday, February 14th, students received permission from CYO to dedicate all games played at St. Joe’s from 9:00 am to 7:45 pm to blood cancer patients. Red wristbands were distributed and an additional prayer was said before each game in honor of those battling cancer. The team also displayed QR codes on posters and handouts to collect donations throughout the event. In addition, a “Wall of Support” allowed the players and spectators to write messages of encouragement to cancer patients which were later delivered to a local hospital. Reflecting on the experience, Andrew Torre ’28 said, “When we step onto the court, we are usually focused on the score and winning. Last Saturday was different because we were thinking about something bigger than basketball. These games brought everyone together for a really great cause.” It is inspiring to see how these students combined athletic competition with faith and community involvement to make a difference. 

What truly sets this endeavor apart is that it is almost entirely student-led. At the onset, each participant created a personal fundraising page which included his motivation for getting involved. For many, the cause hit close to home, as nearly everyone has been affected by cancer in some way. Gavin Macchio ‘28 shared, “Eleven years ago when I was only four years old, my older sister was diagnosed with Lymphoma. Her diagnosis was serious and making sure that she recovered became my family’s driving force. Blood Cancer United is a remarkable organization that helps patients and families who are fighting this disease and funds cancer research. I’m so grateful to my team for

supporting a cause that is very important to me.“ Working together toward a common goal has been transformative for these students. 

In addition to organized events, personal outreach has played a major role in the campaign’s progress. Students have diligently contacted family members, friends, and local organizations through emails, letters, and social media explaining the mission and asking for donations. However, it is important to note that this initiative is about more than raising money. It is an exercise in leadership, responsibility, and advocacy. By soliciting sponsorships, planning events, and speaking openly about a serious issue, these students have been pushed to step outside their comfort zones. 

At a time when it can be easy to feel disconnected or overwhelmed, these Flyers have united around a common mission and have grown in confidence. In the coming weeks, they hope to demonstrate that significant progress can be sparked by a small but deliberate act like sending an email, having a conversation, or inviting a friend to a basketball game. 

As the campaign marches on, this team of sophomores remains committed to the difference their efforts can make within and beyond the Chaminade community. Their work demonstrates how focus, creativity, and collaboration can make a real impact.