When I was five years old, my dad was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A decade of euphoric remissions and soul-crushing relapses followed. The experience of enduring a family health crisis awakened an altruistic passion for alleviating the suffering of others.  

At age 13, when my dad was desperately ill with leukemia, I started a non-profit organization: Relentless Pledge. My mission for the organization was simple, but not easy: give free wristbands with the word “Relentless” engraved to cancer patients and inspire them to be brave and courageous during difficult treatments.  

My good deed went viral. People from 43 states and 12 different countries requested relentless wristbands for family members who were struggling with cancer. My story stands as a testament to the power of altruism as a force for all that is good, and right, and true in communities across America and around the world.