MEDLIFE hosted a fundraiser in support of patients at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) on Dec. 3. The event featured matchas for purchase and the opportunity to write to patients.
MEDLIFE is a nonprofit that partners with underserved communities in Africa and Latin America to improve access to opportunities and basic necessities. MEDLIFE hosted a summer trip to Peru and has over 300 chapters across American high schools.
MEDLIFE Chapter Leader Lina Wu ’28 said the collaboration with CHLA stemmed from a desire to get students directly involved in the local community.
“At the school, we mostly raise awareness and funds through events, and try to get students involved in hands-on service,” Wu said. “We wanted to collaborate with CHLA because they do a lot of work for many kids in LA, no matter what their financial situation is like. Since they are local, it’s meaningful to support a place that impacts families in our community.”
Wu said small acts of service can have a broader impact on communities, and MEDLIFE is planning similar events in the future.
“We’re hoping the matcha fundraiser brings in money for CHLA but and gets more people excited about helping,” Wu said. “Something simple like buying a drink can contribute to a bigger cause, and we want people to feel that connection. We are planning more fundraisers and opportunities in the near future that can highlight global and local health issues. We have a service trip opportunity this July, where we are able to go to Lima, Peru, with dozens of other chapters and experience hands-on learning.”
Hansen Liao ’27, who purchased a matcha from the fundraiser, said he enjoyed supporting a good cause while being able to get a discount.
“I decided to purchase a matcha from the MEDLIFE fundraiser because I was wearing a quarter zip to get the discount,” Liao said. “Also, I liked how I could support a cause while getting something I enjoy. While I don’t know a lot about MEDLIFE, I know they stand for a worthwhile cause.”
MEDLIFE Chapter Leader Charlotte Conrad ’28 said that the collaboration with CHLA closely aligned with MEDLIFE’s missionof helping others.
“Throughout history, CHLA has aligned with MEDLIFE’s goal of providing healthcare to anyone who needs it, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, religion or background,” Conrad said. “Overall, the missions of CHLA and MEDLIFE are similar, so it felt like a great place to focus on.”
