Make
a Difference:
2004
Hearts for the Holidays Campaign
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Friends for Life of America?
Friends for Life of America is the largest international student organization committed to serving pediatric cancer patients and their families. For over five years, we have provided educational, emotional, and financial support for pediatric patients living with cancer.
What is the history of Friends for Life of America?
After six-year-old Daniel Heidenberg lost his life to leukemia in December
of 1996, Steven Cohen was inspired to make a difference in the lives of others.
In early 1997, a group of high school freshmen, led by Cohen, from the University
School of Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, joined
together for the first official meeting of Friends for Life of America. For
most of these students, Friends for Life of America provided an ideal opportunity
for them to serve their community and to develop leadership skills. After
only nine months at the University School, Friends for Life of America had
raised over $5,000 for patients and their families. Through fundraisers such
as Mile for a Child, Leukemia Stars, and Pizza for Patients, Friends for Life
of America had become one of the most active charitable service groups in
schools and the community.
As Friends for Life of America members became more involved within the community,
they began talking to their friends about the organization. Through word-of-mouth
advertising, Friends for Life of America began to branch out to other high
schools across the country. In 2000, Friends for Life of America expanded
to the university-level by chartering the first post-secondary school chapter
at the University of Florida.
Over the past five years, Friends for Life of America has transformed into an international organization, touching the lives of pediatric cancer patients from Gainesville to Guatemala City, from Boston to Bangkok. Together, high school and college students have raised more than $50,000 for patient services and for related organizations, including the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. These dedicated students have turned their ideas into realities by creating innovative programs like Hearts for the Holidays, Uniting for Life, and Leukemia Awareness Week.
What is the Hearts for the Holidays Campaign?
Through the Hearts for the Holidays Campaign, Friends for Life of America encourages high school and university students to create inspirational cards for pediatric patients undergoing treatment during the holiday season. Since the program's inception in the fall of 2000, more than 20,000 students around the world have made a difference by participating in the Hearts for the Holidays Campaign.
Who is participating in the 2004 Hearts for the Holidays Campaign?
Every year, high school and university students throughout the United States and around the world register to participate in the Friends for Life of America Hearts for the Holidays Campaign. All participating institutions may either organize this campaign through their chapter of Friends for Life or America or through another student organization. Suggested organizations include service clubs, fraternities and sororities, Student Government, and residence hall associations. Sixteen schools participated in the 2001 Hearts for the Holidays Campaign.
How do I find out more about Friends for Life of America or the 2004 Hearts for the Holidays Campaign?
Please visit http://www.friendsforlife.com for complete information about our organization or visit http://www.friendsforlife.com/hearts to find out more about the 2004 Hearts for the Holidays Campaign.
Whom can I contact for more information?
Steven D. Cohen
Friends for Life of America National Chairman and CEO
(352) 262-6000
scohen@friendsforlife.com
