A Kiski Area High School student is hoping to raise big money for a charity close to her heart.

Junior Allison Thompson of Washington Township formed Team WISH (Warriors of Invincible Strength and Hope) on a mission to raise $100,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

For her efforts, Thompson has been nominated for Student of the Year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Students of the year are high school leaders who choose a philanthropic program to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) during a seven-week competition.

The campaign officially kicks off Friday, Feb. 11.

Thompson, 17, said she was inspired to participate because of her relationships with two friends who have leukemia.

Nora Caporali, 5, of Oklahoma Borough was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia before she turned 2. She’s currently in remission.

Marco Mangieri, 7, has acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is a first grader at Curtisville Primary Center in West Deer.

“I’m doing this for the children like Nora and Marco who deserve the research, recognition and funding for their cure,” Thompson said. “Their fights aren’t easy, and they shouldn’t have to do that on their own.”

According to data from LLS, a person is diagnosed with a some sort of blood cancer every three minutes. Leukemia is the most diagnosed form of childhood cancer.

Team WISH is composed of Kiski Area High School students and siblings Joey and Sophia Trapani and Allison’s boyfriend Nick Krason, a 2021 KAHS alumnus.

She described the initial fundraising process as a bit scary.

“It’s such a serious commitment and everything has to be done so precisely. My team and I have learned that organization is key. And there’s no way I could accomplish as much as I have without my team.”

Best friend Sophia didn’t hesitate to volunteer her fundraising skills.

“This process has taught me to be patient and that kindness goes a long way,” Sophia said. “I’ve seen how many people want to help and give back to the community, which is a great thing.”

Sophia said trying to raise $100,000 is “very stressful” and learning time management is essential.

“We manage to have a good time sitting outside in the cold for about eight hours selling candy bars and purse bash tickets,” Trapani said. “In the end, it’s worth it raising money for all the kids in need.”

Used shoe collection fundraiser

Team WISH is hosting multiple fundraisers, including an ongoing used shoe collection at more than 18 locations in the Alle- Kiski Valley and Pittsburgh region.

Organizations collect shoes for the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit, which pays for them by the pound.

Worn men’s, women’s, children’s, kid’s, sandals, flip-flops and athletic shoes may be dropped off at Kiski Area High School and Kiski Area Intermediate School.

Other Alle-Kiski Valley locations include Morabito Motors in Lower Burrell, EZ Storage and York Chiropractic in New Kensington and The Buzz in Tarentum.

To date, Team WISH has collected more than 4,000 pairs of shoes. The team’s goal is 5,000 pairs.

“We have a storage unit to keep the shoes in and it’s so full. Now all the shoes are coming to my house,” said Allison’s mother, Jennifer. “We’ve been preparing for this for six months.”

The shoe drive ends Feb. 10.

Team WISH will sell custom T-shirts and hold a districtwide coin drive beginning Sunday, Feb. 13.

Other scheduled fundraisers include a Purse and Tool Bash on Feb. 13 and Wine Pull Social Event on Saturday, March 12.

Kiski Area High School principal Chad Roland said he’s proud of Team WISH.

“This is one of the examples of how our young people are doing amazing things and making a positive difference in our world,” Roland said. “These students are demonstrating initiative, organization and leadership, skills that will serve them well in the future.”

Thompson said she’s met so many people who have had leukemia lymphoma or had a loved one that does.

“It really makes me think wow — this is crucial. Everyone has a story, or knows someone that does. This funding needs to be for their fights,” Thompson said.

For more information or questions, email: teamwish5016@gmail.com

Donations will be accepted from Feb. 13 through April 1.

Mail checks dated Feb. 11 or after to Team WISH c/o The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 4158 Hickory Hill Road, Murrysville, PA 15668.