By Christi Mays
Making a difference in the lives of children with cancer and illness is what Heart of Gold is all about. Through multiple fundraisers, members of the UMHB organization make it their mission to bring awareness about pediatric cancer. Each year, the group raises up to $10,000 to help benefit oncology patients at McLane Children’s Hospital in Temple.
Lily Perkins, president of Heart of Gold, said many of its members are health majors or nursing majors, so getting involved helps give them a first-hand look into how their efforts help young cancer patients.
“Last year, we had the opportunity to tour the children’s hospital, and it was very inspiring to see that what we are doing makes a difference in the kids’ lives,” said Lily Perkins, president of Heart of Gold. “All of our club members make a difference, and I love to see God’s love shining through them!”
Each year, almost 16,000 children in the U.S. (one in 285) are diagnosed with cancer, according to the American Childhood Cancer Organization.
The group’s signature event and largest fundraiser, the annual dance marathon, is set for April 6. They also assemble goody bags for fall festival booths and work concession stands. Members put their creativity to good use, making birthday cards each year for young cancer patients in the hospital. This year, the group is considering adding a dodgeball tournament to their list of fundraisers. Each member volunteers between 15 and 30 hours of their time each semester. “Heart of Gold is a wonderful club, and I am so grateful to represent it as the president,” Lily said. “I have always had a servant’s heart, and it is very important to me that I show the love of God to others. Knowing that I am making a difference for children is the prime reason I decided to become president, and it makes me feel very happy to donate to the children with cancer.”
