Every three minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer. For thousands of families, that moment changes everything; plans are paused, routines shift, and uncertainty quickly becomes part of daily life.

It is a diagnosis that does not just affect one individual but ripples through parents, siblings, friends, classmates, and entire communities.

That is why local action matters, and students across the country are stepping up to make a difference through leadership and service.

Locally, San Marcos High School students Naomi Boles and Griffin Kossen are participating in the Student Visionaries of the Year campaign in partnership with Blood Cancer United, along with their teammates.

Through the seven-week initiative, they are raising funds and awareness to support patients, survivors, and families impacted by blood cancer.

The two said they decided to get involved because the mission deeply resonates with their personal experiences and values. Boles was inspired to get involved after being nominated by a close friend, which encouraged her to step further into health advocacy.

For her, this work is personal; she has seen firsthand how many families in her community face ongoing challenges in accessing healthcare, including people she cares about. She believes that speaking up for those who cannot is essential to creating meaningful change, and that belief drives her commitment to making a real difference.

Kossen said he participates in the program because he has personally witnessed the impact cancer has on individuals and families. Through involvement in other organizations focused on cancer-related issues, he has seen how advocacy and community support can create powerful change.

His motivation comes from wanting to maximize the support given to those struggling with cancer and contributing to an effort that makes a tangible impact.

For both students the campaign is about more than raising money. It is about standing alongside families during treatment journeys, offering hope during difficult appointments, and contributing to research that could one day lead to better therapies and improved outcomes. It is about showing patients that they are not fighting alone.

Throughout the campaign, Boles and Kossen are organizing initiatives, such as restaurant nights, sports games, donation drives, school events, sponsorship outreach, and online campaigns.

They are reaching out to local businesses, community leaders, family members, and friends to build momentum and encourage participation.

Their goal is to raise $150,000, but the impact of the campaign goes beyond dollars raised. Every conversation about blood cancer increases awareness. Every donation strengthens research efforts. Every partnership builds a network of support that can continue long after the seven-week initiative ends.

“The best part about this whole thing has been the acknowledgement of the community. It means a lot and I’m sure feels good to give back to those who need it,” Boles said.

For many families, the burden of treatment is not only physical but financial and emotional as well. Travel expenses, hospital visits, medication costs, and time away from work or school can create additional stress during an already challenging time.

Campaigns like this help bridge that gap by directing resources toward programs that provide practical support alongside medical advancement.

By bringing together classmates, teachers, families, and local supporters, they are transforming compassion into measurable results. Each donation contributes to research advancements and patient programs. Each event builds stronger community connections. Each conversation spreads hope.

Community members who wish to support the campaign can donate at https://pages.lls.org/svoy/calso/svoygc26/TeamGriffinandNaomi; attend the Chipotle fundraiser March 7 on Upper State Street (and mention Blood Cancer United); follow @riseforrecovery26 on Instagram; and directly support lifesaving research and patient services.

“We ask for your help in order to build a better future for generations to come,” Boles said. “We need you to take action to support our community.”