Contact: Keisha Lindsay, Hearts for the Holidays Campaign Chair, media@friendsforlife.com

College Students to Make Tens of Thousands of Cards for Pediatric Cancer Patients

GAINESVILLE, November 1, 2002 — Friends for Life of America is set to kick off its annual Hearts for the Holidays campaign to provide students with the opportunity to design holiday cards for pediatric cancer patients and their families. The campaign will be held between November 4th and December 20th at Beacon College, Biola University, College of St. Rose, Florida International University, Florida State University, Kansas State University, Lee University, Newman College (Australia), New York University, Nova Southeastern University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, State University of New York – Albany, State University of New York – Buffalo, University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of Miami, University of Missouri – Columbia, and the University of South Florida.

Keisha Lindsay, Hearts for the Holidays Campaign Chair, said the event gives students a unique perspective by reminding them of the obstacles thousands of children and young adults are facing.

"Hearts for the Holidays raises awareness among college students by making them think about young patients around the world who are living with cancer," Lindsay said. "Our campaign encourages students to put aside their own problems for a few minutes and think about someone who really faces adversity."

Friends for Life of America National Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Steven D. Cohen said that the Hearts for the Holidays Campaign gives busy students a chance to do something quick that will have a lasting impact.

"Hearts for the Holidays is a great opportunity for those students who don’t have time to volunteer," Cohen said. "Designing a card takes just a few minutes of their time, and it really does make a difference in another person’s life."

Students that do not attend universities with established chapters of Friends for Life of America may participate in the Hearts for the Holidays campaign by registering online. Friends for Life of America is actively encouraging student groups across the United States and around the world to show their commitment to serving others this holiday season by organizing Hearts for the Holidays at their university. 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.

For more information about the 2002 Hearts for the Holidays Campaign, please visit http://www.friendsforlife.com/hearts.

About 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.