I first got involved with Connect Through Cancer (CTC) as a member of Villa Maria’s Student Integrity Committee and as President of the student-led organization, Bake for Charity. In the integrity committee, I help promote academic, personal, and relational integrity within our school community. Each year, we partner with CTC for Reindeer Games, a Christmas-themed event for families and children affected by cancer. I volunteer annually and organize gingerbread cookie donations through Bake for Charity so the kids can decorate them. Villa Maria students love contributing their time and baked goods to support this cause.

One of my favorite parts of helping with CTC’s cookie-decorating events is seeing families come together and find joy in something simple and creative. Watching children’s faces light up at the sight of frosting and sprinkles is incredibly fulfilling—those small moments offer them a sense of comfort and joy during tough times.

Working with CTC has helped me grow in communication and volunteer coordination. As President of Bake for Charity, I regularly reach out to local shelters about donations. Partnering with CTC and organizing efforts with my peers has strengthened my outreach skills and shown me how even small contributions can have a meaningful impact.

Being part of the CTC community has deeply shaped me. I’ve built connections—some with people I’ve never even met—through simple acts of kindness. When I packaged cookies for the St. Patrick’s Day event, I found myself thinking about the families who would receive them. I’ve also seen the same children return year after year to Reindeer Games, remembering the activities and growing more comfortable each time. That continuity has shown me just how much care and dedication goes into this community.I encourage everyone to get involved with CTC in any way they can. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience. Often, when I send out Bake for Charity sign-ups, students don’t even know where the cookies are going—but once they find out it’s for families affected by cancer, they’re even more eager to help. A single hour spent baking can brighten someone’s day in a lasting way. Connect Through Cancer offers more than volunteer opportunities—it creates a space where compassion, joy, and community truly thrive.