Riley Kiewit and Noelle-Grace Wirima are leading a team of Innovation Academy students for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Bloodline of Hope. The two were nominated as Student Visionary Candidates over the summer and have spent the entire last semester preparing for their campaign, which started on January 8th. They are fundraising for national research on blood cancer.
Riley joined LLS as it holds deep personal significance for her, primarily in honor of her grandfather. During the last few years of his life, he was diagnosed with leukemia. Witnessing his courage and resilience throughout his struggle with this devastating disease left a mark on her heart. It fueled her determination to contribute to the fight against blood cancers. By aligning herself, with this organization, she feels a profound sense of purpose and a meaningful way to pay tribute to her grandfather’s memory.
During the 2023 campaign year, Noelle-Grace was a part of the Innovation Academy Hopeful Hearts for a Cure team. The team achieved amazing goals such as raising over $120k and she witnessed how much of an impact is possible from contributing to research. Her experience on this team made her realize that she wanted to have a bigger role in the society this year to express her faith in action by demonstrating God’s love through acts of kindness and charity to those facing life’s most challenging trials.
Together, they strive to advance research, support patients and their families, and work towards a future where leukemia and lymphoma are conquerable. If you wish to further support or contribute to this team, please click the link below.