As we explore the vast horizons of academic ingenuity and support systems, a shining star on that horizon is the Cancer Awareness Research and Education Club (C.A.R.E.) Club.
The C.A.R.E Club was founded early 2025, with the first meeting in February. However, the planning had started months earlier, even before winter break. “Starting the club was very personal to me; my mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time, and as I was older this time around, I truly understood the gravity of her diagnosis. I wanted a safe space—not only for myself but for other students—to share feelings, learn more, and find community,” senior C.A.R.E. Club president Sofia Richer said. She was influenced by her mother’s journey with breast cancer and the goal to create a supportive space for herself and others in similar situations.
The C.A.R.E. Club works with Mrs. Pellegrino, who Richer states that out of all the teachers asked, was the only one willing to take on the challenge despite already sponsoring another club. “I admire her commitment, especially knowing C.A.R.E. would require extra time and dedication,” Richer stated.
Richer strives to give members the chance to express themselves, find a light and community even in bad experiences along with prioritizing community outreach, which she believes she’s done successfully. She believes the biggest accomplishment the C.A.R.E. Club has achieved so far is the C.A.R.E. Baskets project, an initiative to collect over 200 items to be packaged and delivered to Joe DiMaggio’s Hospital. She looks for a future where the C.A.R.E. Club fully blossoms into a full nonprofit organization.
This year, the C.A.R.E. Club partnered with the National Honor Society to support their community service requirements, while also spreading the C.A.R.E. Club’s mission. Multiple donation drives are planned to enhance student participation and serve more people than ever.
In the beginning, however, the club struggled with finding a teacher sponsor, as most were unable to commit to the level of responsibility required by the club. Paired with that, figuring out the logistics of donating was a struggle, as not all cancer centers accept outside items, along with others not accepting direct delivery. Now the club has found ways to carefully work with those guidelines and help the people they want to help. “While the club began as a way to honor my mom, it has since grown into something much larger for me and for our members,” Richer said.
The C.A.R.E. Club has become a beautiful haven for the community, a sanctuary for those in need, helping people overcome their problems and be the best version of themselves. So if this interests you, come September 10 for their first meeting of the school year and find out how to be even more “C.A.R.E-ing.”
