Our Crowdfunding Groups
Hello! Thank you so much for checking out my Homecoming Court Buckeye Funder page. My name is Anthony Koulianos, and I am a 4th year Neuroscience major at The Ohio State University. This cause is very close to my heart and has been for many years. BuckeyeThon is the largest student-run philanthropy in the state of Ohio, raising funds and awareness for the Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplant Unit at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Every day, I work with students, community members, faculty and staff to support children and families facing pediatric cancer and blood disorders. We provide funding for new clinical trials, treatment, research, fellowships and psychosocial services. All gifts go directly to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, helping us move closer to our goal of ending pediatric cancer and blood disorders.
I’ve been fundraising for Nationwide Children’s Hospital for four years and currently serve as Vice President of Strategic Engagement on the Executive Team for the 2024-25 year. This work has been a cornerstone of my college experience, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead such a dedicated group of students. Philanthropy is one of my passions, and as I approach my final year at The Ohio State University, I am making my final asks as a Homecoming Court member to change kids’ health for the future. Below, I’m sharing a few personal stories that explain why this cause means so much to me:
In my small hometown of Poland, Ohio, pediatric cancer has had a devastating impact. Two of my classmates were diagnosed with this relentless disease. This doesn’t include the many kids older or younger than me, or those yet to be diagnosed. The summer before my senior year, my classmates and I were preparing for our last year of high school. One of my closest friends, Grace, and I spent a lot of time together—we both played saxophone in the marching band, participated in theater and shared almost every class throughout our formative years. As our lives were about to take off, Grace’s came to a sudden halt. She found a lump on her neck, and within a few weeks, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes. When I heard the news, I could hardly process how this could happen to someone so kind and special. Amid a global pandemic, Grace wasn’t allowed to leave her home except for doctor appointments or chemotherapy. Devastatingly, she missed homecoming, football games, senior band night and the fall theater show. Later that year, another friend, Tony, a fellow Valedictorian, was diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. The diagnosis forced him to make decisions no one ready to start college should have to make. He underwent surgery and numerous rounds of chemotherapy. He began school at the University of Pittsburgh, but when his cancer returned, he had to change schools and majors and move home. While Grace is now healthy, Tony continues to fight every day, living his life to the fullest despite the circumstances. I’ve seen firsthand the toll this disease takes on families, and I’m determined to do my part in raising funds and supporting this vital cause.
Every day, my motivation to champion this cause grows stronger, driven by the incredible Champion Families who are fighting or have fought pediatric cancer and blood disorders at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. In my role, I ensure these families have the best experience possible, helping to make up for the years they’ve spent in treatment. Over the past four years, I’ve gotten to know these amazing kids, and they are all so special. They love to laugh, play and hang out with their college friends at The Ohio State University. No child should have to endure what they’ve been through, so let’s work together to change kids' lives. Thank you so much for considering making a gift to my cause!
