Why We Do It: E-Boards' Why
Over the past ten days, we've shared what raiseRED is, the impact we make, and the stories that fuel our mission. As we get closer to registration opening, we want to answer a different question:
Why did we choose raiseRED?
Our 2026-2027 Executive Board is made up of 19 individuals with completely different backgrounds, experiences, and different goals for the future.
What connects us is a shared mission.
A mission to change kids' health. A mission to change the future. A mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to simply be a kid.
For our Finance Director, Isie Fader, her "why" began long before she ever stepped foot on UofL's campus. When Isie was just ten years old, she lost a close family member, Delia, after an 11-month battle with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). During that time, she witnessed both the heartbreak of childhood cancer and the incredible compassion shown by the healthcare workers who cared for her family.
"I will never forget the birthday party the nurses threw at the hospital for D; bringing light and love into a room where we all were struggling to feel hope."
When she learned about raiseRED, she found more than a student organization. She found a way to help create those same moments for other families.
"Knowing that my actions as part of this organization are funding research and patient care, but also the little moments like a birthday party, is the reason I continue to come back and put my all into this organization."
For Isie, raiseRED is about more than the dollars raised at the end of the year. It's about creating moments of hope during some of life's hardest circumstances and helping families feel supported when they need it most.
For our Family Relations Coordinator, Makena Justice, raiseRED started with a simple goal: getting involved on campus.
"Coming into college, I didn't know much about the different RSOs available to me, but I did know about one: raiseRED."
What she discovered was something much larger than a student organization. Through her work in Family Relations, Makena has had the opportunity to connect with children and families whose stories have shaped her understanding of what service truly means.
"I have learned that behind every diagnosis is a child who simply deserves to be a child, just like everyone else. Behind that child is also a family trying to navigate appointments, treatments, fear, and uncertainty, while still looking for reasons to hold on to hope for their children."
"I have learned that even the smallest gestures can carry the biggest messages and give the most support."
Whether it's preparing family care packages, helping with events, or simply showing up for others, every action contributes to reminding families that they are not alone.
"I joined raiseRED because I wanted to make an impact, but raiseRED has impacted me far more than I ever believed I could impact it."
While their stories are different, a common theme appears in each of them: They joined to make a difference. They stayed because raiseRED changed them, too. That transformation is something our Campus Advisor, Amanda James, has witnessed time and time again.
"The possibilities are endless, and I have seen amazing growth from every student who dedicates themselves to this organization. Leadership skills are honed, passions are discovered, fundraising abilities are explored, friendships are developed, and so much more! I've known students who took on big project they never could have imagined leading. We've had other students who found a new career path from the work they did in raiseRED. It is a very exciting organization to be a part of, and we hope to give back to you as much as you give to it!"
And if you ask members what they have gained from raiseRED, many of their answers go far beyond fundraising. They talk about finding lifelong friendships. They talk about discovering confidence in themselves. They talk about developing leadership skills, making memories they will never forget, and becoming part of a community that challenges them to grow. That's what makes raiseRED special. You join because you want to help kids. You stay because you discover friendships, leadership opportunities, personal growth, and a community that challenges you to become the best version of yourself.
You learn how to lead a team. You learn how to advocate for a cause. You learn how to connect with people from different backgrounds. You learn that making an impact doesn't always require grand gestures. Sometimes it starts by simply showing up. And perhaps most importantly, you discover that your major, your career goals, and your previous experiences do not determine whether you belong here.
As we begin wrapping up the 12 Days of raiseRED, we hope these stories have helped you see what makes this organization so meaningful. Every member of our Executive Board started exactly where you are now: learning about raiseRED, wondering if they should get involved, and deciding whether to take a chance.
They did.
And many of them will tell you it was one of the best decisions they made during their time at UofL. No matter what your "why" may be, there is a place for you in raiseRED.
Registration opens soon, and we invite you to join us in creating change, building community, and fighting for a future where every child has the opportunity to simply be a kid.
Join the change. Join the mission. Join raiseRED.
Because kids can't wait.
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