Olivia Zhang, of McLean, Virginia, was 14 when she lost both her grandfather and a beloved teacher to cancer. Soon after, she launched Cancer Kids First (C.K.F.), a youth-led nonprofit that supports children with the disease. Zhang, now 19, and her team have donated more than $600,000 worth of medical equipment, toys, cards, crafts, and more to patients around the world.
Q: What made you want to start Cancer Kids First?
A: I faced a lot of grief. I wanted to channel it into something that would be productive and honor their legacies.
Q: How has C.K.F. grown?
A: We started with a team of three. I emailed probably every school in Virginia, asking principals to spread the word to students. And during the pandemic, our TikTok videos brought in thousands of volunteers from around the world.
Q: And you do events?
A: We created these Zoom events where we connect volunteers and patients with like-minded interests, and they play games together and talk. That’s one way we’re trying to take advantage of our large, diverse youth base.
Q: Any advice for others who want to make a difference in the world?
A: I think it’s necessary for young people to step up. See what nonprofits already exist that you could help. But if you see a need that’s unaddressed and you feel you have the resources and skills to help out, go for it.
This interview was edited and condensed for length and clarity