Coronavirus Can't Stop Teens From Helping Kids With Cancer

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — Coronavirus can't stop a trio of Westhampton Beach High School sophomores from raising funds for those battling childhood cancer.

Sydney Anastasia, Sean Bass and Kaitlyn Mcdermott, known as the Golden Canes, have found creative ways to continue their mission, despite social distancing protocols.

During the past two years, the three have raised nearly $6,000 for organizations including Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The group chose to focus on childhood cancer awareness because Anastasia herself is a six-year survivor of lymphoma who was diagnosed when she was just nine years old.

“It has become more challenging with COVID,” said Anastasia. “Every day, we try to think of new ways that we can raise money.”

With social distancing guidelines a factor, the students can’t be as interactive as they had been in the past. Fueled by determination, they turned to social media, where they kicked off their September campaign for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. They held a tea fundraiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s Million Mile 2000, where donors could pledge money for the Golden Canes to run, walk or bike.

Their efforts paid off in a big way: The teens garnered $2,300 in pledges. The students also organized a socially distanced yard sale and lemonade stand, where they raised another $650.

Despite the pandemic, they've vowed not to give up: The Golden Canes have planned an array of fundraising campaigns, including the Macy’s Believe letter-writing campaign, in which Macy’s provides funding to Make-A-Wish for every letter to Santa that they receive. The students are also exploring ways to help the Ronald McDonald House.

The Golden Canes started their mission as eighth graders heading into their freshman year, the district said.

“We saw a lot of fundraisers happening and thought, 'What if we did something like that?'” said Anastasia. “Knowing you are helping kids, even if it’s something as simple as a lunch, is a good feeling.”