Long Beach High School junior and cancer survivor Reese Gallinaro is using her personal experience to give back to others. Gallinaro organized a successful Lego drive to benefit children receiving treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The recent drive collected nearly 500 Lego sets, which will be donated to the hospital to provide comfort and joy to young patients.

The drive was a community-wide effort, with collection boxes set up at all Long Beach schools and a few other Long Beach locations. “I was happy to see so many people come together to support this project,” Gallinaro shared. “Lego sets can bring joy, spark creativity, and provide a much-needed distraction for kids who are going through such difficult times.”

Gallinaro, who was diagnosed with cancer twice in her life has been cancer-free for almost six years now, understands firsthand the importance of emotional support during a difficult journey. “My experience as a cancer survivor shaped my desire to help others who are facing similar battles. It’s a way for me to show that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference,” she said.

Date Added: 2/4/2025