Student’s Nonprofit Donates Medical Supplies to Ukraine
Farquhar Honors College junior Alexandra Lugo is a changemaker with a passion for helping others. Dedicated to turning her compassion into action, she created a nonprofit organization called The Children’s Charity to help children suffering from chronic diseases. Through service and advocacy, Lugo and her charity have impacted the lives of thousands of families, including, most recently, the war victims in Ukraine. Partnering with Brothers for Others, another nonprofit organization, Lugo’s charity collected more than $10,000 worth of hygiene and medical supplies to ship to the victims along the Poland-Ukraine border.
The donation drive was a student-led initiative with contributions from more than 30 small businesses, organizations, and schools across South Florida—including NSU. Lugo’s charity empowers the youth to catalyze positive change through ambassador and volunteer programs that allow students to work at the forefront of meaningful projects like this one. These projects give high school students valuable service and leadership experience.
“I strongly believe in the butterfly effect, and one of the goals of my organization is to [show] others [through] example and mentorship, that no matter your age or resources, you can make a significant impact on your community,” Lugo said. “Love and service are contagious, and I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to spread it.”
Lugo was inspired to create her charity after volunteering in healthcare settings from a young age and witnessing the power of community and understanding in helping the patient experience. Her charity raises awareness of pediatric diseases and has collected more than $50,000 worth of supplies for children at local hospitals. The most fulfilling part for Lugo is connecting with and supporting the suffering children and their families, something she strives to continue to do.
Lugo is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in behavioral neuroscience and is enrolled in NSU’s Dual Admission program to obtain a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). She hopes to dedicate her future career as a physician to providing patients with healthcare that emphasizes compassion and the patient-healthcare worker relationship.
“The Children’s Charity [and] my research, academic work, and leadership positions all share a focus on preventive and compassionate medicine, student-led service, and advocacy,” Lugo said. “This is what I love, simply put. Many of the skills I have learned in the classroom have driven me in my charity work. The mentors and professors I have had as a student have without a doubt had a huge influence [on] my endeavors.”
Posted 5/22/22