Hope for Cancer
Hello! My name is Michelle Chen and I am a senior at Ferris High School in Spokane Washington. I am dedicated to raising awareness and funds for children battling cancer. My goal is to bring joy and support to those impacted by this disease. The funds raised will be used to purchase fun toys and gifts for the children at the Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. Even the smallest acts of kindness can make a significant difference, and I hope to contribute in any way I can. Your support would be greatly appreciated and will directly impact the lives of young cancer patients in our community.
Wish List
The children at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital have created a wish list of their most desired items and necessities for the hospital. I want to make their dreams come true by using the funds raised to purchase these items. You can contribute by donating to the GoFundMe or by purchasing from the wish list and mailing it to:
Lu Miao
Department of Foods and Nutrition
Clinical Nutrition Office
Providence Holy Family Hospital
5633 N Lidgerwood St
Spokane, WA 99208
August Donation
8-29-24
Total raised: $872.29
My Passion
Bring Hope to Cancer Patients
From a young age, my passion for biomedical sciences and a career in health has been evident. This passion grew stronger after a personal experience deeply impacted my life. About two to three years ago, my grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer, and my grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Both passed away within a year of each other, profoundly affecting our family. Witnessing the challenges they faced and the care they received inspired me to focus on helping others through similar battles. Since then, I have actively sought opportunities to develop my skills and nurture this passion.
For the past two summers, I have worked in a research lab at Washington State University, exploring potential advancements in cancer treatment. I am currently working on getting a paper published. To dive deeper into my research, I conducted and presented my own research project at the Regeneron Regional Science Fair and the HOSA State Conference, placing in the top 10 in the research poster category. Additionally, I am in the process of writing another research paper that focuses on the cellular mechanisms of cancer cells from a novel perspective.
Driven by my passion for cancer activism, I sought opportunities to work directly with people affected by cancer. I become a camp counselor at Camp Sparkle, a camp for children impacted by cancer either through personal diagnosis or that of a loved one. At Camp Sparkle, organized by Cancer Pathways, I connected with the children by sharing our own experiences with cancer, whether personal or familial. Learning about the significant challenges these young kids faced inspired me to start a cause to support children like them. These experiences have further solidified my aspiration of becoming a pediatric oncologist.
Experience With Kids
In addition to Camp Sparkle, I have counseled at other kids' camps, such as Camp Invention, a STEM camp organized by the National Inventors Hall of Fame. At Camp Invention, children utilize their creativity to design innovative and impactful inventions. I have also worked at the KUMON Math and Reading Enrichment Center, helping children age 3-18 improve their math and reading skills.
Below is an article from the Spokesman Review about Camp Sparkle, for which I was interviewed as a counselor.
Other Experience
To gain valuable experience for my aspiration of becoming a healthcare professional, I am currently working as a Health Scholar at Spokane Valley Hospital through the COPE Health Scholars Program. This role provides me with hands-on experience in both clinical and administrative healthcare settings, allowing me to become an integral part of the care delivery team. My responsibilities include assisting with basic patient care, such as taking vital signs, repositioning patients, and feeding patients, while collaborating with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
In addition, I am the president of Health Occupational Students of America (HOSA) at my school. I helped organize the annual science fair, which featured a wide variety of healthcare professionals to expose students to various career opportunities in the field. This year's event was a tremendous success, drawing three times as many participants as last year. Additionally, I serve as the vice president of the National Honor Society and the public relations officer of our school's Senior Council committee. I have always been eager to take on leadership roles, striving to be a role model and inspire others to pursue their passions.
Last summer, I participated in the Johns Hopkins University Global Health Leaders Conference, where I connected with students from around the world who share similar interests. This summer, I attended the Young Scholars Program-REACH at the Center for Neurotechnology at the University of Washington to gain insights into how neurotechnology addresses challenges, such as seizures, cognitive changes, and motor impairments are affected by cancer, stroke, or other neurological disorders through targeted treatments. Additionally, I learned about the impact of cancer on chronic pain, which often involves the nervous system, and how treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can lead to neurological side effects, including cognitive impairments, neuropathy, and changes in brain structure and function. This experience enhanced my understanding of managing pain and improving body functions through neurotechnology-based therapies and interventions.
My Interests
Outside of academics, I play tennis and run for my schools varsity tennis and cross country teams. For fun, I like to go on hikes, snowboard, swim, play pickleball, and play with my dog, Millie.
I have a strong enthusiasm for music, having played the piano for 12 years and the flute for 6 years. My dedication has led me to win several music competitions in the flute category and to be a finalist in many more. As the principal chair flute in the Ferris Wind Ensemble, I also bring my music to various community settings, including retirement homes, church worship groups, Chinese cultural events, school choir accompaniments, and public radio performances.
Thank You
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Contact me if you have any questions!
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (509)981-3919
Instagram: michellejlchen