Werner H. Kirsten student interns Taylor Johnson and Isabella Pressimone, who worked with Occupational Health Services (OHS), demonstrated both leadership and compassion this spring by organizing a fundraiser titled “Spring Into Wins” on behalf of the Recreation and Welfare Club Frederick (R&WCF). The initiative raised over $1,000 for three organizations dedicated to helping children who have cancer: The Children’s Inn at NIH, Friends of Patients at the NIH, and Camp Fantastic from Special Love for Children with Cancer.
This project was more than a fundraising event—it was a powerful learning experience that deepened the interns’ awareness of the challenges faced by pediatric cancer patients and their families.
“We had no idea how much these families go through until we started researching the organizations,” said Pressimone. “It made the fundraiser feel even more personal and urgent.”
The ‘Why’ Behind the Wins
The interns were inspired after hearing about a similar initiative by past OHS interns and wanted to continue that legacy of community engagement, bolstered by the R&WCF, which sponsored the fundraiser.
R&WCF is an NIH-affiliated organization that provides recreation and welfare activities and events meant to build relationships and community within the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNL), offers FNL and NCI Frederick merchandise for people to display their organizational pride, and generates funds for the three charities benefiting from Spring Into Wins, which support the NCI community. Through the fundraiser, the interns learned how each of the benefiting charities is connected to NIH and its broader mission to improve human health.
The Children’s Inn at NIH provides free lodging and support for families of children receiving treatment at NIH, allowing them to stay close during intensive clinical trials. Friends of Patients at the NIH offers direct financial assistance, emotional support, and emergency aid to children with cancer and their families navigating the hardships of long-term illness. Camp Fantastic, through Special Love for Children with Cancer, provides a medically supervised summer camp experience for young people with cancer, helping them build friendships and confidence despite their diagnoses.
“This was about more than raising money,” said Johnson. “It was about advocacy—letting our community know that these kids and families exist, and they need support.”
A Full-Circle Learning Experience
The interns’ experience with “Spring Into Wins” also reflected a broader mission. OHS internships are designed to promote civic responsibility, community service, and health awareness. This project aligned with those goals while providing professional development.
Johnson and Pressimone gained skills in event planning, communications, public outreach, and sponsorship coordination, while also learning the value of strategic giving—planning their fundraiser so proceeds would be donated on GivingTuesday, December 2, 2025, to leverage matching donations.
Beyond logistics, the fundraiser helped interns connect personally to the NIH mission. Though the day-to-day work supporting research at the NCI is far from patient care, working on the fundraiser was another aspect of the ultimate goal to help real people who have cancer and other illnesses.
Support from the Community
The fundraiser was made possible by donations from local businesses, R&WCF, and NIH employees. The monthlong raffle featured daily prizes, including gift cards, themed gift baskets, mugs, and locally made goods. All prizes were donated—no federal funds were used.
R&WCF, which played a key role in supporting the fundraiser, is dedicated to building a sense of community through wellness, cultural, and charitable activities for employees and their families.
“I’m extremely proud that the [Spring Into Wins] fundraiser garnered so much positive attention, especially from folks that hadn’t interacted previously or in recent years with the R&WCF,” said Andi Zak, president of the R&WCF. “The interns devoted a lot of time and energy into this event. … I’m thrilled the R&WCF will be able to donate to the charities to provide a greater impact than last year.”
R&WCF extends sincere thanks to everyone who contributed, donated, or purchased a raffle ticket for helping make “Spring into Wins” meaningful. In addition, OHS commends Johnson and Pressimone for their leadership, community engagement, and commitment to making a difference in the NCI’s mission of health, healing, and hope.
The fundraiser flyer, created by intern Taylor Johnson, featured images of some of the available prizes to help generate raffle ticket sales. Image credit: Taylor Johnson.
Sarah Hooper is the occupational health manager at OHS, where she leads her team as they focus on keeping people safe and healthy within their work environment.