Notre Dame High School students Kate Moog and Katie Graham have been named Student Visionaries of the Year after an extraordinary fundraising campaign that raised over $93,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Their achievement is not only a tremendous success in the fight against blood cancers but also a shining example of the power of youth leadership and determination.
Kate and Katie formed Team K&K for a Cure and spent seven intense weeks rallying their community, hosting events, and raising critical funds to support LLS’s mission of finding a cure for blood cancers. When first challenged to describe a goal that would seem impossible, they dared to dream of $100,000 — and came remarkably close, raising almost $94,000 – an amount that reflects the tireless effort and passion they poured into the campaign.
“When we started this campaign, our goal was simple: to make a difference in the lives of those affected by blood cancers,” said Kate. “Along the way, we learned just how powerful the impact of this mission is. We saw how every dollar raised brings us closer to breakthroughs in research, new treatments, and support for patients and families.”
Katie shared how the experience shaped her: “We also learned a lot about ourselves and what we are capable of. We grew as a team and as individuals. But this wasn’t just about us — it was about the survivors, the warriors still fighting, and those who lost their fights. This experience has been life-changing. We’ve learned so much about leadership and teamwork, and we’re so proud of the impact we’ve made.”
Kate and Katie didn’t do it alone. They were supported by a dedicated team of peers, including fellow Notre Dame students Lily McHale '27, Tessa Schuler '27, and Brooke Vesay '27.
Their campaign reflects not only their team’s ability to raise funds but also their capacity to educate and inspire others to join the fight against cancer.
Kate and Katie have not only left a lasting impact on LLS but have also inspired their community to take action and stand with those affected by blood cancers. Their success underscores the importance of youth leadership and the profound difference young people can make when they come together for a common cause.
Congratulations to Kate, Katie, and Team K&K for a Cure on this incredible achievement!