Youth turning their PASSIONS INTO PURPOSE

How Youth-Led Charities is empowering youth to lead the fight against childhood cancer.

Aremarkable phenomenon is unfolding as our youth take the lead in the fight against childhood cancer. As hundreds of local youth share their unique talents and passions to spread hope to kids with cancer and to rally support to find a cure, their examples are spreading to inspire countless other youth throughout the US to join the fight!

Youth-Led Charities (YLC), a 501c3 nonprofit based right here in Spanish Fork, provides a unique platform for youth to turn their passions into purpose. Historically, youth wanting to get involved in charitable causes have felt limited to traditional activities like hosting a lemonade stand, or participating in a charity marathon. Through YLC, youth can now easily share their greatest passions to not only make getting involved easier and

Young artists, musicians, athletes, mechanics, gamersyou name it - now have the ability to share their own talents to make one of the greatest impacts on the lives of families battling cancer. Since these are things that youth are passionate about and doing in their free time, youth are not adding to their already busy schedule to be able to get involved!

How does youth sharing their talents help kids with cancer?

The mere act of youth DOING something to support a great cause is inspiring, and it motivates others to support that cause. Think about a charity marathon. Nothing magical happens when sneakers hit the pavement. People donate simply because they see that the cause is important to the participant, and that makes people want to support it. Likewise, nothing magical happens when youth share a piece of artwork, or turn a piano recital into a benefit concert. The act of doing something because they want to help is enough to inspire others to support the cause. Learn more about how youth can get involved at youthledcharities.org

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and we couldn’t be more excited to announce the official launch of YouthLed Charities - a 501c3 nonprofit based right here in Spanish Fork that empowers youth to lead the fight against childhood cancer. We may be the only nonprofit in history that focuses exclusively on the impact our youth can make to find a cure for cancer!

One of the things we love about YLC is that the giver truly benefits as much as the receiver. As countless youth share their talents to help raise awareness for childhood cancer, an awareness inside of themselves starts to blossom. They become aware of the challenges others (sometimes including their own peers) face when battling cancer. They develop a sense of compassion by serving those in need in such a personal way.

As you read this issue - especially during the month of September - I hope that you’re inspired by the incredible service of our local youth volunteers. If so, I invite you to support our youth in this great cause and to give in any way that is doable for your situation, whether that be making a financial donation, connecting with us on social media, or of course, participating in our very first #CharityChallenge that’s detailed on pages 12-13 of this issue!

Thanks for embarking on this journey with us!

Nick Thiele