Six smiling young women wearing matching “Dig for a Cure” shirts stand behind tables covered with baked goods and treats in a gym, raising funds alongside Bald for Bucks to support cancer awareness and research.

Hope starts with students!

Unlocking Community. Inspiring Others. Shaping the future of cancer care.

Schools Against Cancer empowers students to take action in the mission to end cancer. Our changemakers are the next generation of fundraisers, working to advance cancer research and patient care programs at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Make a difference for cancer patients everywhere, build community and have fun while doing it.  

Our Core Values

Schools Against Cancer stands for courage, community, creativity and compassion.

Blue outline of a person wearing a cape, raising one arm as if flying like a superhero, symbolizing the spirit of Bald for Bucks. The figure is simple and stylized, with no facial features or details.

Courage

A simple green line drawing of three people standing close together, with the two outer figures extending their arms around the center figure in a gesture of unity and support—symbolizing the spirit of Bald for Bucks.

Community

A turquoise outline of a lightbulb with a pencil and paintbrush inside, symbolizing creativity, ideas, and support for Bald for Bucks. Radiating lines around the bulb suggest inspiration or a bright idea.

Creativity

A purple outline of two hands holding a heart, with two additional smaller hands behind, symbolizing the care, support, and compassion at the heart of Bald for Bucks.

Compassion

A large brick building labeled "Roswell Park" stands under a blue sky, surrounded by green trees, neatly trimmed grass, benches, and paved walkways—home to events like Bald for Bucks in the landscaped courtyard.

Where the Funds Go

Schools Against Cancer funds critical cancer research and patient care programs at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Two smiling men stand indoors holding "Thank You" certificates from the Lowell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, celebrating their participation in Bald for Bucks. One wears a red shirt, the other gray; both pose before a wall with painted graphics.

Tools and Resources

You didn’t think you’d be taking this on by yourself, did you?! Check out the tools available to help you and your school succeed.

“Kindness is being proactive in your community. You’re cheering other people up by doing these events.”

Leeyana

Schools Against Cancer Changemaker

A student with short hair smiles and stands with arms crossed, wearing a black T-shirt with partial white and purple text, in front of a white, wavy textured background.
A teenage student with curly hair, wearing a beige hoodie and stud earrings, looks slightly upward outdoors with a soft-focus green background.

“People may ask, ‘Why students?’ I’m a student myself, and I want to see my peers get involved. I want to give them that opportunity. Cancer affects millions of people — including those who love someone diagnosed with cancer. We need to come together. We need to make a change. We need to make a difference.”

Nate

Schools Against Cancer Changemaker

A group of six students in matching blue T-shirts stand in a gym, smiling and holding a large snake together. Another person stands to the left, observing and smiling. The background shows gym bleachers and banners.
Two smiling men stand indoors holding "Thank You" certificates from the Lowell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, celebrating their participation in Bald for Bucks. One wears a red shirt, the other gray; both pose before a wall with painted graphics.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

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Courage

Schools Against Cancer changemakers step up when it matters most. With confidence and character, they join the mission to end cancer — because they know this cause can’t wait.

A girls’ soccer team of students in maroon uniforms huddles on the field, arms around each other as they prepare for a game. The sun casts a warm light while trees and a scoreboard appear in the background.
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Community

Changemakers lift each other up. They unite students, teachers and supporters and create a movement for real change in cancer care.

A large crowd of enthusiastic students and sports fans, many with faces and bodies painted black, cheer behind a fence. Some wave maroon and gold flags, and a person in the front wears a yellow foam hat shaped like cheese.
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Creativity

Changemakers think BIG, bringing fresh ideas and energy to fundraising. They make philanthropy fun, engaging and impactful.

A student wearing glasses and headphones plays a video game on a desktop computer, using a rainbow-lit keyboard and mouse. Two monitors display colorful game screens in the dimly lit room.
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Compassion

Changemakers show up for cancer patients, families and survivors — not just with words but with real action.

Seven children and an adult stand outside Smallwood Drive Elementary School, smiling and dressed in black or orange-themed attire, holding a large bald for bucks check for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

History

Schools Against Cancer started in 2022, designed so you can take action with your school community. This program allows you to combine your passion with a great cause. Since its inception, dozens of schools across Western New York have joined the mission to end cancer through out-of-the-box, grassroots fundraisers.

Schools Against Cancer has raised nearly $600,000 (and counting) for critical cancer research and patient care programs at Roswell Park.

A person wearing a mask and a lanyard holds up both hands, showing paint-covered fingers, and smiles with eyes squinting. They are indoors, with sunlight streaming through large windows behind them.
A male doctor in a white coat gently holds a female patient's hand while talking to her in a medical office. A computer with medical scans is visible in the background.
The image is a plain light gray background, as smooth and featureless as a bald surface, with no visible objects, text, or distinct features.

Who can get involved?

Any student, from kindergarten through college, can become a Schools Against Cancer changemaker. Since this program encourages participants to lean into their passions and skills, each fundraiser can be catered to the interests, time commitment and grade level of the school/student involved.

Have a fundraising idea now?

Fill out the Schools Against Cancer Fundraising Form and one of the coordinators will reach out to you with the next steps!

Questions?

Contact us! Email our team or call 716-845-8788.

Two young students on a street draw "START" and "FINISH" in pink chalk, separated by a blue line. Both wear white shirts and shorts, with one crouched down writing on the pavement.

Get inspired!

See how other changemakers have joined the cause.