CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two Ardrey Kell High School sophomores are raising awareness and money for blood cancer research and to support blood cancer patients.


What You Need To Know

  •  North Carolina high school students are raising money for blood cancer research

  •  One of the teams from Charlotte, Team Care for a Cure, has a $75,000 goal

  •  The program is part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Student Visionaries of the Year

  • The fundraiser ends on March 4

Claire Fenton and Caroline Rosenbaum are participating in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries of the Year. The philanthropic leadership development program is for high school students. 

The funds are used for groundbreaking research and to advance breakthrough therapies for blood cancer patients. In addition, it helps provide educational resources and programs for patients. 

During the seven weeks of the campaign, Fenton and Rosenbaum aim to raise $75,000. They are leading Team Care for a Cure, which has 19 other members. 

“I just want to make a big impact on the future generations,” Rosenbaum said. 

Fenton is following in the footsteps of her sister, who raised money for the same cause in 2021. 

“It was this common goal that we were working towards and we could bond over. It was really special to me,” Fenton said. 

Rosenbaum’s motivation was her late aunt, who had breast cancer. 

“I just want to do everything in honor of her and memory of her because she was an amazing woman,” Rosenbaum said. 

This experience is prompting them to get out of their comfort zones too. 

They have approached businesses, corporations and neighbors for support. Businesses at the Blakeney Town Center, including Boeme, donated gift cards and products for them to include in a chance basket. Someone with the winning ticket will be gifted the Blakeney basket. 

“A lot of what I learned is being comfortable talking to people and learning new things because if you never try, then you never know,” Rosenbaum said. 

They are also raising money through events, including a Zumbathon, a baseball clinic and at home basketball games. 

They are selling teddy bears, which will be gifted to children at Levine Children’s Hospital and Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. In addition, they are selling red bows for people to display on their mailboxes to raise awareness about blood cancer. 

“It makes me really happy there are people in this world that want to support the cause like we want to support the cause,” Rosenbaum said. 

LLS recognizes the top fundraiser, but for Fenton and Rosenbaum, helping this cause is the biggest prize of all. 

“Just doing this is winning after all,” Fenton said. 

On Feb. 13, Team Care for a Cure will announce the winner of the Blakeney basket. They will have a baseball clinic at On Deck Academy on Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Their Teddy Bear Hot Chocolate Fundraiser will be on Feb. 26. 

Team for a Cure is one of the 20 teams in Charlotte participating in the LLS Student Visionaries of the Year.

The fundraiser ends on March 4.