Thursday, October 1, 2026
Jackson Amiruddin, a senior at Calhoun High School in Merrick, shifted his role this year in the Blood Cancer United Student Visionaries of the Year campaign from student fundraiser to mentor, guiding fellow participants through a seven-week effort that helped raise more than $1.48 million on Long Island while supporting teams as they worked toward a shared goal of helping patients and families affected by blood cancer.
Amiruddin took part in the Student Visionaries of the Year grand finale at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers in New York City on March 6, which was the culmination of years of resilience, leadership and a commitment to helping others facing the disease he once battled himself.
The 17-year-old, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at just 13 months old, has transformed his experience into action through his work with Blood Cancer United.
Last year, Amiruddin co-led a team called the Hope Chasers in the organization’s Student Visionaries of the Year campaign, finishing as a top competitor among Long Island teams in the fundraising effort.
“I wanted to help a lot of the kids who were like me,” Amiruddin said. “Hopefully help them have a better childhood than I was able to with all the hospital visits and everything.”
The campaign challenges high school students across Long Island to raise money for blood cancer research, advocacy and patient support during an intensive seven-week period. This year, 30 teams collectively raised a record, nearly doubling last year’s total of about $850,000.
“It’s a seven-week fundraising challenge where high school students compete to raise the most money,” Clara Leyendecker, a campaign development manager with Blood Cancer United, said. “They raised $1.48 million in seven weeks — a new record for Long Island.”
Leyendecker said the campaign’s growth this year reflected both the dedication of student participants and the strength of the candidate class guiding it.
“Seeing that kind of growth in one year was just incredible,” she said. “It was a very, very special candidate class.”
Rather than compete again this year, Amiruddin stepped into a leadership role, serving on the campaign’s leadership committee as a mentor to other student teams.
“I wanted to see what I could do to help the next people,” he said. “I had so much joy when I raised all that money, and I wanted to help other people feel that.”
In that role, Amiruddin guided students through the same process he experienced — offering advice, encouragement and perspective.
“A lot of it is communication,” he said. “You have to give your ideas, but also receive others’ ideas so everyone feels connected.”
He emphasized lessons he learned firsthand during his own campaign, including perseverance and focusing on the cause rather than competition.
“Don’t think of it as a competition,” Amiruddin said. “Your real motivation should be helping people, not beating others.”
Emily Kesler of Bellmore, who also served on the leadership committee, said the experience left a lasting impact on her.
“It was truly so special to be a part of something greater than myself and contribute to a cause that impacts more people than we realize,” Kesler said. “The experience taught me teamwork, empathy, and responsibility, and it showed how small actions can create meaningful change in a community and far beyond.”
Leyendecker said Amiruddin’s impact extended beyond fundraising totals.
“He’s the epitome of a survivor — what we call a ‘thriver,’” she said. “He’s taken what he went through and made it his mission to give back.”
She added that Amiruddin’s mentorship made a tangible difference for students participating in the campaign this year.
“He really made a huge difference in our kids this year,” Leyendecker said. “It meant a lot for them to have someone who’s gone through the process recently to turn to for guidance and advice.”
Amiruddin’s personal story played a key role in his fundraising success. During the campaign, he shared photos and details of his treatment, helping donors understand the real-life impact of their contributions.
“I feel like people were able to see the change that was being made,” he said. “It made them want to help more.”
That impact continues through the funds raised, particularly in patient support — a cause Amiruddin prioritized because of its direct impact on families.
“The money goes straight to families in need,” he said. “Even $10 can help pay for groceries or clothes. It all adds up.”
Now preparing to graduate, Amiruddin said he plans to remain involved with the organization in any way he can.
“I think this is something that should keep going for a long time,” he said. “I’ll do as much as I can to help.”
For students considering joining the campaign, his message is simple: “Just do it,” Amiruddin said. “No matter how much you raise, you’re making a difference in someone’s life.”
