When Health Science Education (HSE) students at the New Castle Career Center (NCCC) organize a fundraiser, it’s about more than just raising money — it’s about advocacy, education, and showing up for the community.
Each year, the NCCC’s HSE program partners with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) for its Service Project fundraiser. This year’s event has even greater significance, as the proceeds will be divided between NMDP and Chasing Sunsets, a local nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Why Mental Health and Marrow Donation Matter Together
For HSE student Zyler Ogden, understanding the connection between physical and mental health is important. “It is extremely important for our community to understand the importance of mental health because mental health can impact a person’s physical health,” Zyler shared. “When a person’s mental health is struggling, it can cause a progression of physical injury and can affect recovery from physical illness.”
That same holistic view of health is what makes blood stem cell donation such a critical cause. According to HSE Instructor Angie Talbott, blood stem cell donations can mean the difference between life and death for patients battling blood disorders and cancers.
“Donation of blood stem cells can be a lifesaving treatment for someone who is battling blood cancer, such as leukemia, or a blood disorder,” Talbott explained. “The process for finding a match can be difficult, which is why becoming a donor is so important. The more donors registered with NMDP, the more lives that can be saved.”
Students Leading Through Education and Action
Each year, HSE students organize a bowling fundraiser as part of their HOSA Service Project, inviting families and community members to donate. Traditionally, funds are split between two health-focused organizations.
“This year, students are splitting the fundraising between the National Marrow Donor Program and Chasing Sunsets,” Ms. Talbott said. “We are in the business of helping others and improving the general health of the community. This allows each student to make a difference.”
Students are also educating others simply by openly discussing mental health. “How students in our community are planning to educate people about mental health is by talking about it, speaking up, and helping raise money for nonprofits in and around the community,” Zyler said.
The Chasing Sunsets Connection
Chasing Sunsets Inc. was founded in 2023 following the loss of Zyler’s best friend, who was just 13 years old. “Chasing Sunsets’ goal is to help reduce the number of deaths due to people taking their own lives by reminding people that they are loved and that they are not alone,” Zyler explained. “People can participate and support the students by helping spread that message or volunteering at events hosted by Chasing Sunsets.”
How the Community Can Get Involved
Community members interested in supporting the fundraiser or becoming donors can take impactful yet straightforward steps. Interested donors can visit the NMDP website and complete a quick survey that takes less than 10 minutes. “Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Sometimes the only lifesaving treatment is a bone marrow transplant, and the more people who register, the more lives we can save,” Talbott shared.
She hopes students leave the experience inspired to continue that advocacy. Ultimately, this fundraiser embodies what Health Science Education at New Castle Career Center is all about: preparing students not only for medical careers but also for education, advocacy, and compassion.
“I hope students gain knowledge about the importance of mental health and how they can help people in their community who are struggling,” Zyler said.