Name: Francie Harris
Classification: Senior
Major: Human Development and Family Studies/Child Life
Qualifications:
Auburn University Head Cheerleader
Omicron Delta Kappa
High School Leadership Counselor
Social Sorority
Freshman Forum
Platform: I have always had a heart for children! Early on I realized my desire to work
specifically with children with pediatric cancer through my involvement as a volunteer with
various organizations that serve children and families directly affected by this horrible disease.
My commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families facing challenging
medical experiences led me to choose Child Life as my major, with the goal of making that my
life’s work as a Child Life Specialist in a pediatric healthcare setting; therefore, my desire to
raise awareness of childhood cancer is not only my platform, it is my passion.
Forty-six children in the United States will be told TODAY that they have cancer. According to
the American Cancer Society, about 10,450 children in the United States under the age of 15 will
be diagnosed with cancer in 2014 alone. Cancer kills more children than any other disease; more
than Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, Diabetes, and Pediatric AIDS combined! I want to raise awareness
of these startling statistics in order to advocate and support cancer research efforts. I want to
bring a personal side to this issue by taking it a step further and recognizing stories of students
within our own Auburn family who have persevered and survived pediatric cancer or who are
currently struggling as they battle this horrific disease. Among these are student athlete Shon
Coleman, a pediatric cancer survivor, and current Auburn University freshman Kayla Perry, who
is fighting to win her own pediatric cancer battle. Through my campaign I want to raise money
and make a donation to Open Hands Overflowing Hearts, a non-profit organization started by
Kayla to help raise funds to one day end this horrific disease. I want to challenge Auburn
students by asking the question “What would you do to end childhood cancer?” I want to share
with our Auburn family the remarkable stories of Auburn students who have been touched
personally in order to raise awareness of childhood cancer.
My goal is to use this campaign to recognize the children and families affected by childhood
cancer, to emphasize the importance of supporting research to find a cure, and to impart to my
fellow students the great joys that come from serving those in need through philanthropic
acts! The gold ribbon is an international symbol used to unite those committed to the fight to
beat childhood cancer. I will challenge Auburn students to Go Gold! September is Childhood
Cancer Awareness month and a perfect time to champion the cause of pediatric cancer; however,
this platform doesn’t end after September. The purpose of this campaign is to heighten
awareness during the month and continue to help it grow! I am dedicated to helping save
children’s lives by empowering students to fund life-saving childhood cancer efforts. I want to
honor children currently battling cancer, the families who love them, the caregivers treating
them, the survivors of childhood cancer, those who lost their battle, and the researchers working
to conquer cancer!