Southside High School Freshman Raises $2,225 for Local Cancer Support Organization Through Pickleball Tournament
Southside High School freshman, Alik Arzoumanian, has proven that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference in the community. Through her hard work and determination, Arzoumanian raised an impressive $2,225 for the Kids Kicking Cancer program at the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House.
Arzoumanian organized a doubles pickleball tournament, named “1 Bounce at a Time,” which saw 36 participants and over 10 sponsors come together to support the cause. The event, held at The Hangout on Sept. 21, was a huge success, with all proceeds going directly to the Kids Kicking Cancer program.
Dawn Turner, executive director of Reynolds Cancer Support House, commended Arzoumanian for her generosity and leadership at such a young age. Turner emphasized the importance of community support in furthering the organization’s mission to bring hope to all cancer patients in the River Valley.
For Arzoumanian, the cause hits close to home as she has had family members affected by cancer. Her passion for helping youth with cancer led her to volunteer at the Reynolds Cancer Support House, where she saw the need for additional funding to provide more activities and support for program participants.
With the help of her friends and parents, Arzoumanian successfully promoted the event through paper and social media fliers. Despite the challenges of community involvement, she found the experience to be incredibly rewarding and encourages other youth to get involved in giving back.
Arzoumanian plans to continue the pickleball tournament annually, as she believes it is a fun way to bring the community together for a great cause. She remains committed to supporting the Kids Kicking Cancer program and will continue to find ways to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by cancer.
The Reynolds Cancer Support House, located at 3324 S. M St., offers a range of support group activities for children affected by cancer and their families. As the largest free-standing cancer support facility in the country, the support house provides a comforting and hopeful environment for patients on their journey to survivorship.
Arzoumanian’s dedication and initiative serve as an inspiration to others, proving that anyone can make a difference, no matter their age. Her efforts have not only raised funds for a worthy cause but have also brought the community together in support of those battling cancer.
