Students of the Year Los Angeles
Naomi Kao | Team Illuminate
Welcome to Naomi's SOY Fundraising Page!
Hello Everyone,
It is the LAST DAY of the Students of the Year Campaign. Thank you so much for visiting my fundraising page! However, our fundraising pages aren't accepting donations anymore, so if you would like to donate, please do so using this new link: https://e.givesmart.com/events/kws/i/_Auction/d2Ue/
Thank you for all of your support and help!!
Read More About What I'm Doing Here!
Hi Everyone!!
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!
I am running as a co-candidate for the Students of the Year Campaign supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with Vivian Chan to support cancer patients and their families who are fighting for their lives and their loved one’s lives. To do this, I am going to raise as much money as possible to get the best treatment for those patients to give them hope for a better future, being cancer free.
Our team, Team ILLUMINATE, has set a goal to raise $50,000, and we are running in honor and in memory of five people. We are running in honor of Palos Verdes High School staff members Dr. Keely Hafer, Mr. Pat O'Brien, and Coach Brian Edelman, who are reminders and inspire students that cancer is real, but that it can also be defeated. Dr. Hafer was diagnosed with leukemia, and strongly made it through chemotherapy. She is an inspiration to PVHS students by showing that you can be optimistic even in the toughest of times. Mr. O'Brien was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, and also bravely made it through chemotherapy. He is finally cancer free, and is a positive model to students every day. Coach Brian was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer last fall, but despite his diagnosis, he continues to coach the PVHS Boys Basketball Team. He is a reminder to students that people can be strong even in the worst circumstances. As well as Dr. Hafer, Mr. O'Brien, and Coach Brian, we are also running in honor of one of my best friend's little sister, Sophie. Sophie was very recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the start of our SOY Campaign preparation. At just 11 years old, Sophie is a reminder to me and my family that cancer can attack anyone at anytime, and even in the midst of a global pandemic, cancer is still a threat. Despite the terrible disease, Sophie is a strong girl, and I have faith that she will fight and defeat cancer. Team Illuminate is not only running in honor of current fighters and survivors; we are also running in memory of my grandpa, Dr. Daniel Kao. My grandpa was diagnosed with lung cancer in the fall of 1997, despite being a lung doctor himself. He fought hard not only for himself, but also for his family and to be there for them; at the age of only 57 years old, he died of cancer in February 18, 1998. Even though I never got to meet him and although he is not with us today, my grandpa is still in our hearts, and I know he would want us to continue fighting to defeat cancer, so no one else loses their family.
I'd also like to mention Mr. Pat Fresch, Mrs. Melody Lomboy-Lowe, and Ms. Chauntelle O'Loughlin, who are all brave survivors of cancer from the Palos Verdes Community. All of these stories are a reminder that even the most giving, innocent, and strong of us can be attacked by cancer, so we need to help them in any way we can. WE NEED YOUR HELP. LLS offers that opportunity to help, by supporting cancer patients and families!
Please share my fundraing page with everyone you know who would also like to join us in the fight against cancer.
All donations are tax-deductible (LLS Tax ID #13-5644916).
*Besides donating here, you can also write a check out to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with Team Illuminate (Naomi) in the memo line and mail it to us at: 46-E Peninsula Center #405, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
On behalf of cancer patients and their families everywhere, thank you so so much for your support!
Remember, EVERY donation counts; even the smallest give can save a life.
Please help us ILLUMINATE the world for cancer patients and make a difference against cancer!
For more information about LLS, please visit lls.org
Until there is a cure, Naomi :)
112 Comments
Rebecca Chase-Chen
Thank you for your organizing and vision!
Anonymous
Go Naomi!
Constance Twu
Well done Naomi!!!
Suzanne Gulcher
I’m very very proud of you, Naomi,. Good luck in meeting your goal! Gammy
Jennifer King
Great job Naomi!
Katherine Tsai
Good Job, Naomi!
Felix Yu
More power to you Naomi and thank you for your efforts towards supporting LLS! Leukemia and Lymphoma far too common amongst us.
the Rajabs
Go Nay-Nay!
Peter and Rudi Bena
We’re proud of you Naomi! Your caring and activism is admirable. We hope you will continue on this path throughout life.
Amy Argento
Amazing students supporting a worthy cause.
The Chans
Naomi, great job to help raise money for such a great cause!
Bee De Lim
Naomi, Keep up the good work and good luck on your project! Sam & Bee-De Lim
Cynthia Chen
Way to be a blessing to others Naomi!! Hope to see you soon! - the Chens
Beth Buchholz
Thank you for allowing the opportunity to partner with you all in this.
George Jacob Fogelson
Multiples of 18 in Judaism reflect life. He or she who has saved one life is as if they saved the world - The Talmud. Thanks for your efforts. George, a friend of Kenny's from CAL
Joanna Hsieh
Thank you.
Yucan Chiu
Hi Naomi! We're happy to be donating and helping with your cause. Hopefully we can see all of you soon. -Ennyn and Enna Chiu
Theresa
You’re dedication towards the fight for cancer will go a long way. Our family knows of people from young to old that are affected by it.
Raoul and Sandy Gruenberg
Your dad must be so proud of you!
Maki Saito
Naomi, We are very proud of your work!!!
Ted Law
Naomi, thanks for bringing attention to the fight against cancer!
Leslie Rowe
What a wonderful project Naomi! So proud of you.
George Chen
Good for you, Naomi. Continue stepping up with passion and courage. Cancer has affect so many.
The Servinos
Thank you, Naomi, for your efforts to help a worthy cause. So proud of you!
Kay Cee Mills
This is a great cause, Naomi. I’m proud of you!
Anonymous
Best wishes!
Liz Ying
Awesome that you have such initiative and drive! Your family must be very proud of you.
Cates Family
Amazing job Naomi!
Lillian and Jeremy Kwan
Good work Naomi! Your compassion is inspiring!
Lisa Donahue
Thank you Naomi!
Michele Hsieh
Go Naomi! Keep on fighting! Love, Agong and Ama
Michael & Ann Harder Family
Naomi, so proud of you and your efforts!!! Keep up the good work!!!
Anonymous
I have a close colleague (and friend) who is a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin's and through the right science and treatments, he was considered to be in remission after just six months. He is now able to be the husband and father that his family needs. They are complete again — not just physically, but also emotionally. It is through organizations like LLS that give families a chance to overcome this debilitating illness and regain control of their lives. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute.
Maxwell Fox
Go, Naomi! Fantastic effort toward a worthy goal!
Joe and Phyllis Sherwood
Appreciate so much what you are doing!
Ellen and Fraser Perkins
Thanks, Naomi, for all you're doing to raise awareness -- and funds -- to beat these cancers. Well done!
Kristen Barnett
So happy to support you in such a worthy cause. What an inspiration.
John Cotti
Best of luck!
Lorraine Loh-Norris
Naomi, I am so proud of you for taking on such an important project. We all know people who have battled cancer, and your hard work will help to make great strides towards a cure.
Lunada Market & Deli
Thank you Team Illuminate for all of your hard work! YOU are making a difference!
Ashley Johnson
Good Job Naomi!
Jennifer Uyeda
Great job Ladies!
Brannan Family
Dear Naomi, It's so great that you are trying to help the less fortunate people in the world. We wish you the best of luck in this endeavor! - Sheryl and Walt Brannan
Lilly Fairy
Keep up the fight against cancer! Let's find a cure.
Hiroko & Al Muratsuchi
So proud of you, Naomi!
Pauline Leong
Go Naomi!!
Kwon Family
Thanks, Naomi, for all your hard work towards this cause!
Karina Banales
My dad, Antonio, is a Non-Hodgkins survivor as of June 2020. We continue to pray that it remains this way. Thank you for doing this Naomi!
Lauren Naehu
Palos Verdes Girls Cross Country and Naehu family for cancer patients.
K & O Logan
Thanks for your effort to help this wonderful charity. Let’s solve this!
Akiko Nagata
Great job, Naomi!
Maria Huang
Great job, Naomi! Thank you for organizing this fundraiser. Good luck! - Maria
Anli Lin Tong
In memory of Dr. Daniel Kao
Maria Otera
Great job Naomi and Vivian!
David Turchetti
Thanks to Jeff Hu for generously offering his time and inspiring this donation.
The Timm Family
Great Job Naomi!!!
Johannes Eberhart
Awesome job Naomi!
Alexandra Peckovich
This is such a great fundraiser!
John and Sherry Kao
Thanks for your effort to raise funds foe cancer research. I am sure your grandpa would be very proud!
Dolly Maldonado
Let's beat cancer!
Andrea Yue
Go Team Illuminate!
The Confortis
Student of the Year
Anonymous
Thank you your efforts to raise funds for this worthy cause
Dr. Larry Natividad
On December 17, 2020, my friend's father, Lamberto (Bert) Arellano, passed away. He was a kind and gentle man who loved his family beyond measure. We love and miss him so much, but will always cherish the many memories we have with him.
Kristin Sweet - Pekarek
Great work Naomi!
Robert & Jody Stantley
It is so heartwarming to see you and all the students support such important causes in our community. These kinds of pursuits are the things that give us all hope for the future of our community and our country. We are so thankful that you are taking up these causes. Thank you!
Stephanie Harris
Thank you, Naomi! You are fabulous!!
Tom Huynh
This cause is very dear to our hearts because Maily’s cousin passed away from Leukemia when she was only 13 years old. I am so proud of you for doing this and wish you the best of luck.
Andrew Hsieh
Good job Naomi for championing this worthy cause!
Caroline Leach
Way to go, Naomi! You are creating hope and healing for so many people!
Michael and Marjorie Moon
Yeah Naomi! Very kind of you to sponsor this fundraiser.
John Cruikshank
My family is donating in support of my fellow Peninsula Council friend, Kenny Kao and his daughter,Naomi, who's running as a Student of the Year candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (SOY-LLS), in honor of 3 Palos Verdes High School faculty members and her friend's 11-year-old sister Sophie, as well as in memory of my late father Dr. Daniel K. Kao. John & Jennifer Cruikshank
Wayland wong
Great cause. Much needed.
Margaret Hastings
In memory of Robert and in honor of his wife, Suzi, a close friend.
Robert Aronoff
Good Luck. I am happy to support you
Diana Bailey
Good luck on your cause! In memory of my husband Michael, who died so young.
Christine Xie
Hope this will help support cancer patients!! :))
Susan Chun
Wonderful cause Naomi!
Pauline Landeza
Very inspiring, Naomi.
Howard Lee
Great job Namoi. Cancer has affected all of us. Two years ago sister Gloria was diagnosed with Lymphoma and after chemo is cancer free now.
Rama Nadella
Let us beat Lymphomas, Naomi Ram Nadella
Minna Wieck
So proud of your compassion and commitment to something so important!
iraj akhlaghi
danniel kao
Cindy Campbell
Great endeavor!
Johnny Hong
Supporting your efforts Naomi!
Katherine Jen
Wonderful that you're doing this Naomi!
Stephen Yang
Congrats Naomi!
Lily Kao
Dear Naomi, Very proud of you! Grandma Lily Kao
Jane Chen
Good job Naomi! Proud of you
Brian Hsieh
Great job Naomi!
Angela Hsiao
We are so proud of you for joining the battle!
Jeri Berlin
Good luck!! Great cause!
Hsia Family
So awesome. The Hsia's are in to support Team ILLUMINATE and help fight cancer!
Mary Lee-Henderson
Wonderful goal to help others!!!
Maxwell Colomer
Great Job guys! Thank you for doing this! Max C
Shannon Cobb
Good luck, Naomi! What a great cause. :)
Mei-li Chen
From Aunt Mary and Uncle Mike
Scott Campbell
Go get ‘em!!
Susan Brooks
Congrats, Naomi. You’re a shining light in a family full of stars. Best wishes on your task to bring about a healthier, happier world.
Denise and Frank Hironaka
Way to go Naomi! Thank you for your efforts in this amazing endeavor! Love, Auntie Denise, Uncle Frank, rachel, Maddy and Kelly
Johnny Chu
This is an awesome thing you’re doing!
Erik Silber
In honor of Dr. Daniel Kao and Naomi’s great work.
James Kao
Thank you for raising awareness and funds for this important cause, best wishes on achieving your goal!
Miracle Mile Advisors
Miracle Mile Advisors congratulates Naomi Kao and Team Illuminate for their tremendous efforts!
Paul & Eliza Park
Naomi - I LOVE that you're doing this! My sister is a Leukemia survivor so of course I had to participate. :) I hope the fundraiser goes well - you are awesome! Love, Eliza
Coach Mahlone Becker
So proud of your achievements! Coach Mahlone is ALWAYS cheering for you!!
Carolynn Petru
Great job, Naomi! It’s lovely to see your caring heart and dedicated spirit. You’re helping to make the world a better place for us all. Thank you!
Kevin Deeley
Happy to join the fight for a cure here. -Kevin Deeley
Daniel Dreili
It is truly encouraging to find young people like Naomi Kao, dedicating so much time and energy in this noble cause.
Karen Lin, Momo & Eric Anderson
Go Naomi!
Lydia Tracy
Dear Naomi, We are very impressed by your leadership in philanthropy! Thank you for your time and effort to help this worthy cause! Wish you luck and success! Kevin & Lydia Tracy
Elaine Brady
In honor & memory of our parents who raised us to be giving caring human beings & to pass that on as your are doing in this Fund Raising Event.