The funny thing about life is that perfection doesn’t exist. No one wins in every situation, and challenges are inevitable. I learned this from a young age, growing up in Los Altos Hills, a town that has shaped me in ways I never expected. My parents, both hardworking and community-driven, instilled in me the value of service and perseverance. My childhood was filled with books, school projects, and lively family discussions about making an impact—values that only deepened as I grew older. Being raised in Silicon Valley as a junior at Menlo School and a lifelong resident of Los Altos Hills means being surrounded by people who believe in big ideas and bold action. What I have come to understand is that the greatest impact isn’t always made through groundbreaking technology (which is common in Silicon Valley) — it’s made through human connection.

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I come from a large Italian family, and caring about one another on a deeper level, as well as going the extra mile for even a stranger, has become second nature. Los Altos Hills is more than just a town; it’s a place where people genuinely look out for one another in ways big and small. It’s where generations grow up together, forming bonds that last a lifetime. It’s where childhood friendships turn into lifelong partnerships, and where neighbors feel like family. It’s the kind of town where, if you need help, you can count on someone to be there — whether it’s a friendly wave on a morning walk, a neighbor bringing over homemade soup when you’re sick, or someone simply offering a listening ear.

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Growing up in a tight-knit Los Altos Hills community, where neighbors feel like family, has taught me that everyday acts of kindness can quietly but powerfully lift each other up. I remember this lesson daily, and it took on deeper meaning for me personally when I witnessed my family members fight the toughest battle known to man: cancer. With extended family members enduring the grueling reality of cancer and my dear grandfather battling prostate cancer, I have come to an important conclusion: with great pain comes unexpected strength and fortitude. I have seen this strength in my grandfather, in my family, and in the world around me. Through extensive radiation, surgery, and IV treatments, my grandfather remains a pillar of strength. His words and actions serve as a powerful reminder that cancer does not define us — we define our own stories, and cancer is not the central character. His ongoing resilience and optimism have shaped my perspective on life and service, inspiring me to turn pain into purpose.

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Teenagers possess an extraordinary power — the ability to create significant change when we focus our efforts. Too often, teenagers like me are told we are too young to make a real impact and that we don’t yet understand the world. But I refuse to accept that notion. Our generation is capable of changing the world when fueled by passion and determination.

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To address the challenging issue of cancer, I founded Strength in Small Hands in November 2024. This philanthropic organization was born out of pain, resilience, and a deep desire to make a difference. Its mission is to bring joy and comfort to pediatric cancer patients, reminding them that they are never alone, even in their toughest moments. Strength in Small Hands is founded on the belief that even the smallest hands can create significant change. At Strength in Small Hands, we create and deliver activity boxes filled with carefully selected games, crafts, comfort items, and a handwritten “thinking of you” letter. These boxes provide not only a distraction but also a sense of normalcy, creativity, and happiness during an incredibly difficult time. Every donation we receive goes directly toward making and delivering these boxes, ensuring that each child knows they are loved and supported.

Why does our organization focus on children? The answer is simple. When the conversation turns to cancer, it often revolves around adults — their treatments, their battles, their tiring days, and their resilience. But what about the toddlers who learn to walk in hospital hallways? What about the kids who miss birthday parties because of chemotherapy or the teenagers who trade school dances for radiation treatments? Pediatric cancer is a reality that few truly understand. While adults battling cancer face unimaginable hardships, children endure these same struggles without the maturity to fully comprehend what is happening to them. Their world is flipped upside down in an instant, and suddenly, their childhood becomes a cycle of doctor’s visits, medications, and long hospital stays.

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Visitors to the website, strengthinsmallhands.com, will note that every aspect of this organization is thoughtfully designed with childhood cancer in mind. Gold, the color of childhood cancer awareness, is woven throughout our branding as a symbol of hope, resilience, and unwavering strength. Every detail is intentional because every child’s fight matters. As you explore, you’ll find ways to become more involved, whether through supporting activities that enhance a child’s experience during treatment or learning about various opportunities to donate. Whether it’s spreading the word about the organization, exploring sponsorship options, or finding other ways to engage, there are many avenues to make a meaningful impact.

 

Although cancer is ruthless, kindness is powerful. Strength in Small Hands exists because no child should have to fight alone. By coming together, we can give them moments of joy, hope, and resilience. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the size of the hands — it’s about the strength within them.