Six students and Associate Principal Will Falker along with students from Kingwood High School made their way to Texas Children’s Hospital to support a school campaign called “Gold, Fight, Win.” This campaign was designed to spread awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. Senior Zoe Bantolina was one of the students chosen to represent the school.

1. What did you do during the trip?

• “While we were at the hospital, we had a small pep rally and hung out with some of the kids who were getting treated. We talked about what their hobbies and favorite things were. We also colored, threw mini footballs and played video games.”

2. How was this experience for you personally? 

• “Personally, I think the day was fun for both the kids and for us. At the end of the day, they’re just normal kids that happen to be a lot tougher than some adults. They don’t let what they’re going through define them; these kids are fun-loving and so kind. I had a great time meeting all of those kids.”

3. Were there any patients that had an impact/influence on you that made your day memorable?  

• “One of the patients, PJ, was the sweetest boy I have ever met. He was so passionate about playing video games and was actually really good at them, too. He happened to know a lot more about Minecraft than I did back in my middle school days. Regardless, he wanted ME to play those games. PJ handed me his tablet and loved to see other people enjoy the things he liked to do. His backstory shows just how much he has been through; going through several adoptions and having countless medical problems didn’t stop him from having a smile. He even put a smile on my face by giving me a small portrait of himself. He is one of the purest souls ever and doesn’t deserve the hardship he goes through — even though I know he’s tougher than that.”

4. What did you learn from this experience?

• “This experience was so enlightening for me. It made me want to be stronger in the face of adversity. These kids have such a hard time, but no one would have known considering how strong and caring they are. Both the parents and their children were appreciative of our visit, and it only proves that together we can be tougher than cancer. After the trip to the hospital, it put into perspective how important our mission is to spread awareness.”

5. What was your favorite part of the day?

• “My favorite part of the day was when one of the little boys innocently asked me for my phone number. It caught me off guard, but it was adorably hilarious.”

Another representative, senior Lauren Farrar, also shared her experience.

1. What did you do during the trip?

• “We got to walk around and play with kids in treatment. We provided for them and their families snacks, toys, “Go for Gold” t-shirts, gold ribbon tattoos, and other things. We colored, played football, and took lots of pictures as well.”

2. How was this experience for you personally?

• “It was really eye opening to see how these young children and their families can be so optimistic and friendly despite the stress and hardship they’re going through.” 

3. Were there any patients that had an impact/influence on you that made your day memorable?  

• “All the children, as outspoken or as quiet as they chose to be, showed each of us what it meant to be strong. Just because they were sick or receiving harsh treatment didn’t stop them from wanting to hangout and interact with us.”

4. What did you learn from this experience?

• “I’ve learned that you should be nice to anyone you come in contact with. The parents and siblings of the children didn’t show on their face what they were going through. Dealing with this sickness is stressful, scary, and hard in general and you never know what people are going through at home, but every family member of the kids we met were so friendly and so strong.”

5. Favorite part of the day?

• “My favorite part of the day was seeing how the staff at Texas Children’s Hospital, sponsors and contributors of the “Gold, Fight, Win” program were so passionate about what they do. It is amazing how they show love to the kids, but they went above and beyond in showing us the definition of caring and compassion. Without them, I wouldn’t have received the amazing opportunity.”