High School Senior Mobilizes Youth for Cancer Awareness and Support

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Ali Rizwan. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

At JP Stevens High School in New Jersey, Ali Rizwan is known as the student who loves a good challenge — whether it’s solving physics problems, tackling math competitions or conducting research on light toxicity. But beyond the classroom, the 17-year-old is using that same curiosity and problem-solving mindset to make a difference.

As president of Hope2Heal’s New Jersey chapter, Ali blends his passion for STEM with service, creating innovative ways to support cancer patients and their families. From organizing international online Quiz Bowl tournaments to developing an AI therapist chatbot, Ali’s efforts have helped the nonprofit raise thousands of dollars and more than $100,000 worth of donated clothing, books and essentials to provide to cancer patients and their families, as well as to homeless shelters. His work has also helped Hope2Heal secure sponsorships with major organizations such as Penn Medicine Princeton Health and the American Cancer Society, showing how even small, youth-led initiatives can create large-scale change.

Hope2Heal’s mission focuses on teaching young people about cancer — how it develops, how it impacts patients and families, and how students can get involved. Ali is central to that work in New Jersey, coordinating school outreach, organizing donation drives and rallying volunteers to write encouraging cards for those undergoing treatment. Under his leadership, the chapter has strengthened Hope2Heal’s reach across the state, raising money for cancer research while offering emotional support to families fighting cancer.

What inspired you to start volunteering with Hope2Heal?

I was first introduced to Hope2Heal by a few friends who helped start the initiative. They had traveled to India over the summer and saw how many of their relatives were being diagnosed with cancer. Since cancer ran in their family, they wanted to do something to help. They reached out to me to see if I could support their cause in my city, and I’ve been volunteering ever since.

Tell us about your volunteer role with Hope2Heal.

Right now, Hope2Heal is in eight states and 70 cities. I serve as president of the New Jersey chapter, where I organize donation drives to collect items like clothing, books and board games—really anything people no longer use but that could be valuable to someone else. We also hold bake sales and fundraisers at schools to raise money and awareness.

Another major part of my role is leading our annual online Quiz Bowl competition, which I helped launch. It’s a trivia tournament with questions on everything from math and history to pop culture. It’s open to participants worldwide, and through it, we’ve raised more than $3,000 to fund care packages for homeless shelters and families in need.

What message are you trying to share with other youth and high schoolers about cancer?

There are really two main messages we want to spread. The first is that you don’t need to have a title or be a doctor to make a difference. You can be a student at a middle school or high school and still have an impact in your community. No matter how small it seems, you’re still helping someone.

The second message is about the mental side of cancer. A lot of people understand the physical challenges, but they overlook how much it affects patients emotionally — and their families too. Cancer isn’t something that impacts only one person. It affects their parents, siblings and friends. We really want to highlight that mental aspect.

That’s also why we recently started using artificial intelligence to create an AI therapist on our website. It gives cancer patients, family members or anyone affected by cancer a private, secure place to talk about the mental challenges they’re dealing with. They can reach out to us, but they can also use the chatbot whenever they need support.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

The most rewarding part has been seeing the impact firsthand—the expressions of gratitude from cancer patients and their families, and the excitement from students who learn about our cause and want to volunteer.

We’ve had families thank us for the donations and care packages they’ve received, and that really shows how meaningful even small acts can be. We also include handwritten cards with uplifting messages for patients, made by local students. It just gives them another light to keep fighting.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

It’s important because not everyone has the same opportunities or resources. If you have the time, support, or even just a small platform, you can make a difference for someone who doesn’t. It’s not about owing society something. It’s about realizing how much impact we can have when we care. Even if you volunteer just a few hours on weekends, you’re creating change.

If you could send one message to cancer patients or their families, what would it be?

I’d want them to know that they’re not alone. There are people out there who are rooting for them, supporting them and ready to help—whether through donations, emotional support or just being there to listen. Even if they can’t talk to their family about what they’re going through, they can always reach out to others who understand. There’s always someone willing to help.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Ali? Find local volunteer opportunities.