Online Donation - Teens Against Cervical Cancer Fund

In 2010, Caitlin Hird, a sixteen year old high school student from San Dieguito Academy, established the Teens Against Cervical Cancer Fund at the International Community Foundation to support the work of Tijuana-based Fronteras Unidas Pro Salud (Pro Salud) to prevent Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. Over a two year time frame, Caitlin raised $19,001 to support the vaccination of young girls in the community of Valle Verde, located in Eastern Tijuana, a community that experienced five cervical cancer-related deaths within the past eight years.

HPV is a sexually transmitted disease and cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Mexico. Cervical cancer kills 5,061 women every year in Mexico. Over two thirds of all cervical cancer cases can be prevented by the HPV vaccination- athough many young women are unable to receive the vaccination. Inspired by the early efforts by Caitlin, Daniella Decker, a junior at La Jolla High School, has committed herself to carry the “Teens Against Cervical Cancer” torch as Caitlin heads off to college. Daniella’s goal is to raise $18,000 to provide the next 100 vaccinations in Valle Verde.

In order to raise this sum of money, Daniella thought of an interesting concept, a fashion show -- “Fashion for Philanthropy.” Daniella has created a club at her school to support this event and involve other students who want to have a positive, lasting impact on their Tijuana sisters. The fashion show will be held on February 8th, 2013, raising not only money but awareness about the the importance of the HPV vaccine as well.