Reported by Angela Li
“Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
A study shows that Chronic diseases affect over 48 million Americans, and in most cases, there is no cure–– only a control. Some well-known chronic diseases are cancer, diabetes, and HIV. Research shows that people with chronic diseases are more likely to develop mental health conditions. Those with chronic health diseases need more mental health awareness.
Chronic disease cuts patients off from social relationships and makes it hard to go to everyday places like school or work. These factors are all potential causes of mental disorders like depression and anxiety. Consequently, patients may go down an unhealthy spiral of being unable to keep up with relationships and treatments, lack of self-care, and a decline in health. Many clinics and studies state that in these challenging times, it is essential to have someone out there supporting and rooting for them, whether through a handmade item or a motivational card.
Canyon Crest Academy Be the Cure Club is a student-run club aiming to support chronic disease patients through fundraising and handmade item donations, such as hats, scarves, and encouraging cards. The club cooperates with AYLUS to help more people in the community.
In the hope to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges chronic disease patients face as well as creating a supportive San Diego community, Canyon Crest Academy Be the Cure Club, partnering with AYLUS, organized Crafting for a Cure project. During the event, the volunteers made various craft items, including beanie hats, bracelets, necklaces, origami, and encouraging cards, that will be sent out to the local hospitals.
The following members participated in the event on 7/30/2023 with 4 volunteer hours for each:
Angela Li, Annie Zhong, Angela Xue
