Unified In a Fight

Credits: UIAF website

A notebook, a stuffed animal, and a butterfly charm—small gifts that might seem cute, but for a leukemia patient, they can mean so much more than trinkets.

Unified In a Fight (UIAF) is a student-led organization, founded by VHHS students Mandy Sun and Namirah Haide. Sun says, “We both wanted to create something that could not only give back to the community but also reflect on issues not as hugely represented as others, and thus we created UIAF.” Their mission is simple, but powerful: to provide emotional support and encouragement to people diagnosed with leukemia, while raising awareness about the disease through research, writing, and acts of kindness.

Leukemia is a blood cancer that affects the growth and production of bone marrow in an individual’s body. Bone marrow is where blood is made, and if leukemia cells grow at abnormal rates, it gives normal blood cells little space to mature and multiply. The body’s organs and tissues won’t receive the nutrients and oxygen they need if the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough normal blood cells. 

Credits: UIAF Website

UIAF recognizes the mental and emotional challenges leukemia patients face during treatment, so they offer comfort and care through personalized care packages. Each package includes a pen and notebook for journaling or self-expression, a stuffed animal to bring warmth and companionship, a butterfly charm symbolizing hope and transformation, and five stickers featuring plant and animal designs that bring a touch of joy and color to the patient’s day. These small, thoughtful items remind patients that they are not alone in their fight—that a community of students and supporters is thinking of them. UIAF also takes package suggestion ideas to create more variety in their care packages.

In addition to distributing packages, UIAF members research and write essays about leukemia to educate others about the disease, raise awareness, and encourage empathy for those affected. Through writing, students not only share scientific information but also highlight the importance of blood donations and ongoing medical advances.

How can you help? You can donate to the organization on their website or send care packages to leukemia patients you know. Go to unifiedinafight.org for more information, or follow their Instagram page: @unifiedinafight