Community Corner

Whiz Kid: Hoover High Senior and Cancer Survivor Raises Money for Hospital

Lucas Rife is raising money for Akron Children's Hospital by collecting change from community members

This week’s North Canton Patch Whiz Kid nomination comes from Susan Rife, mother of Lucas Rife.

  • Lucas Rife, 18
  • Attends Hoover High School as a senior, is manager of the varsity basketball team and plays in the symphonic band
  • Lucas, a survivor of Ewing’s sarcoma, wants to raise $10,000 this year for Akron Children’s Hospital through a “change bandit” fundraiser. It’s something he’s participated in for 10 years. Lucas looks back to those who helped him during his stay in the hospital when answering why he is so adamant on giving back: “If it wasn’t for the help of God and the wonderful people at that hospital, I don’t think I’d be sitting here right now.”
  • Lucas has recruited students in the North Canton City School District to help him raise money this year, saying with a smile, “It was much easier when I was a cute little 9-year-old asking for money, but now that I’m 18 I’ve had to resort to different strategies.” The schools each have started fundraising and should have their final counts by the time the WKDD "Have a Heart, Do Your Part" Radiothon starts Friday.
  • Susan said her son always looks out for those less fortunate, and that’s what makes him great. “He is always kind. He is always caring. No matter the situation, he always cares about the other person and stands up for the underdog. He has made it his life’s mission to help families that have struggled with childhood cancer.”

Lucas asks those who wish to donate make a check out to Akron Children’s Hospital and send it to the Mary L. Evans Early Childhood Center, ℅ Susan Rife, 301 Portage St. NW, North Canton OH 44720, so they will be counted toward his goal. The cutoff date to get checks in is this Friday, Feb. 11.

Do you want your son or daughter, student or friend to be our next whiz kid? E-mail Morgan.Day@patch.com with the information we ask for .

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