By Nikki Hirsch
I never imagined hosting a fundraiser in my name—let alone a charity event dedicated to a cause so personal to me. But when my condominium’s philanthropic group started planning ways to give back, I knew I had to do something for ALK Positive.
At first, I was hesitant. It’s humbling to ask for help with something so personal. But I truly wanted to raise both funds and awareness—and I realized I didn’t have to do it alone. One of my friends stepped in without hesitation, offering to help carry the vision forward. That’s when everything started to fall into place.
Awareness begins with a conversation.
“Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. It’s time we start that conversation.”
-Nikki Hirsch, Patient Advocate
From Idea to Impact
Working with Katie and the ALK Positive team made everything easier. We decided on a Trivia Night—something fun and new for my active community. With help from a local trivia DJ, we secured a date and a venue. Katie helped create the flyer, set up a fundraising page, and drafted a letter for canvassing local vendors for prizes.
Then the real magic happened.
The women on the committee showed up—and then some. They canvassed the neighborhood, knocked on doors, and gathered raffle prizes, auction items, and gift cards. They even taught me how to ask for support, flyers in hand and charm in their hearts. They didn’t just support the event—they lifted it. And in turn, they lifted me.
Behind the Smile
The night of the event, the room was sold out. I was overwhelmed with nerves. It was my first fundraiser, and the first time I had ever spoken publicly about my ALK-positive diagnosis.
That’s the thing about this disease—sometimes you look fine on the outside. You battle quietly, often invisibly, while trying to live as normally as possible. But that night, I let them see what’s behind my smile.
I spoke about how important it is to raise awareness for lung cancer—especially among healthy, active non-smokers. I asked the room how many people had been affected by lung cancer, and nearly everyone raised their hand. It was a moment I won’t forget. It reminded me why we have to talk about early detection, funding, research, and breaking the stigma.
We also ran a looping PowerPoint on the venue’s TVs to thank our sponsors and educate attendees about ALK Positive’s work. Everyone had a fabulous time—and I’m proud to say we raised over $6,000.
This Is Just the Beginning
What started as a nervous idea is now a new tradition. We’ll be doing this every year—Trivia for a Cause—and I know we’ll continue building on the momentum we created together.
If you’re thinking about fundraising, my advice is simple: start with something you enjoy. Ask for help—from ALK Positive, from your friends, from your community. You might be surprised how much people care.
💙 Want to Make an Impact Like I Did?
Whether it’s trivia, hiking, painting, or a dinner party—there’s power in turning your passion into purpose. ALK Positive made it easy for me, and they’ll do the same for you.
Start Your Fundraiser →