Love Your Melon | Photo provided by Averi Vance, a Love Your Melon captain
"Every year over 15,000 kids are diagnosed with some type of cancer and only four drugs have been approved for treatment,” Averi Vance, Love Your Melon (LYM) captain said.
“On average, it costs about $40,000 for just one hospital stay. There is a deep lack of funding, research, and awareness for pediatric cancer which is why my crew and I are dedicated to the LYM mission. To see even just one child smile because of what we can do is an amazing experience.”
Vance has been involved with LYM since starting Wright State as a freshman because she 'loves everything it stands for.
With a mission to raise awareness toward pediatric cancer, Wright State University’s Love Your Melon (LYM) Campus Crew works to support their nonprofit partners and help uplift children and families affected by cancer.
Love Your Melon is an apparel brand dedicated to giving a hat to every child battling cancer in America as well as supporting nonprofit organizations who lead the fight against pediatric cancer according to their Engage page.
“Half of the profit from the items LYM sells goes towards this fund and is distributed to foundations such as Make a Wish, Be The Match, and many more. Since 2012, we have donated over $6,000,000 and over 170,000 beanies,” said Vance.
Alongside speaking to high schools and colleges to bring awareness to pediatric cancer, the LYM Campus Crew gets involved with events like Be The Match Swab Drive and Jammie Drive.
LYM Campus Crew plans to volunteer one-on-one with the children and families at Dayton Children’s Hospital throughout this semester and into next.
Besides impacting the lives of the children and their families, being a part of LYM plays a meaningful role for its members as well.
“Interacting with children has been very special to me. Last year, we went to the Ronald McDonald House and played games with the children who were there celebrating one of the kid’s birthday party. It was very special to see how happy the kids were and how much fun they were having,” said Macie Flora, event coordinator for LYM.
Be on the lookout for LYM during upcoming events, like Raiderthon on Nov. 16, to take part in the organization alongside its members.
“From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Raiderthon, we will have a table set up to make cards that will be given to children in the hospital. Our goal is 100 cards, so stop by and make one,” said Flora.
“There will also be an event called Alex’s Lemonade Stand in the beginning of December and all profits will be given to this amazing research foundation,” said Vance.
For students interested in getting involved with LYM, new recruits are accepted at the beginning of each semester. Keep up with the LYM Campus Crew on their Instagram @wrightstatelymcrew and on Engage.
