American Heritage School

Powerful Students

For the past 10 years, students from American Heritage School have helped to brighten the holiday season for pediatric cancer patients at Chris Evert Children’s Hospital. The festivities begin as early as October, when students in the school’s Pre-Med Society host a pizza party and gather wish lists from each patient. Then the hard work begins. Over the next several weeks, the students raise money from family, friends, neighbors and businesses with the goal of fulfilling the wishes of these young patients.

This year, the students raised more than $7,000 which enabled them to buy toys, games, and clothing, as well as a few lap-top computers, digital cameras, and even some iPhones.

“Each year our pre-med students look forward to coordinating this party,” said Dr. Doug Laurie, vice president of American Heritage School. “They enjoy getting to know the patients and their families. This is not only an important lesson for them as future health care professionals, it’s an important life lesson as well,” he said. “These types of events bring out a true compassion and generosity in these teenagers. I’m so proud of our students and their commitment to helping our community.”

During this year’s holiday party the students and patients were treated to a special visit by actor Lorenzo Lamas as well as Miss Florida USA, Megan Clementi and Miss Florida Teen USA, Alyssa Rivera.

In addition to the annual holiday party, the students also coordinate the 5K for a Better Day. This year marks the fifth year the 5K for a Better Day will be held. Proceeds from this race paid for the construction of a playroom in the new Pediatric Cancer Center. A plaque hangs on the wall of the playroom dedicating it to the pre-med students at American Heritage School.

“This partnership is a perfect example of how anyone, no matter what age, can make a huge difference in the lives of our patients,” said Michael S. Long, president of the Broward Health Foundation. “We’re so fortunate that American Heritage School and its students have taken such an active role in helping to better the lives of our pediatric cancer patients.”