High Schoolers Raise Over $112k for Blood Cancer Research

A pair of Central Dauphin High School juniors turned a simple idea into a huge fundraising win. Over just two months, they organized more than 50 classmates to gather $112,247 for blood cancer studies.

The money came from a mix of school events—milkshakes, cake sales, and nights out at the skating rink—and outreach to local businesses. The team even reached out personally to friends and family with letters, texts, and emails.

The effort was guided by a program that asks high‑schoolers to lead their own charity drives. The students chose to honor Dean Schamber, a local hero who battled blood cancer, which helped rally support. Their plan started in June, well before the official campaign began, giving them time to build a solid structure and assign roles.

Business sponsorship was a key factor. By meeting face‑to‑face with owners, the team secured over ten donations—something rarely seen in student projects. This experience taught them real‑world skills like networking and donor care.

At the March finale, their hard work earned them the top “Student Visionary” award for Central Pennsylvania. The story shows that with clear goals, teamwork, and community ties, young people can make a big impact.