Join me in fighting to end pediatric cancer and blood disorders by supporting BuckeyeThon.

Hello! Thank you so much for taking the time to check out my Homecoming Court Buckeye Funder page. My name is Sonali Modak, and I’m a fourth-year Microbiology major with minors in History and Nonprofit Management. 

BuckeyeThon is Ohio’s largest student-run philanthropy, raising money and awareness for the Hematology, Oncology & Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The funds we raise support groundbreaking clinical trials, treatments, fellowships, research, and crucial psychosocial services for kids and families facing pediatric cancer and blood disorders. Every single gift goes directly to Nationwide Children’s, fueling real change for children who deserve healthy, joy-filled lives. 

For the past four years, I’ve been deeply involved in this mission. Currently, I serve as the Youth Philanthropy Coordinator for Dublin Jerome High School, where I get to mentor the next generation of student leaders in giving back. Philanthropy has always been a core part of who I am, but my connection to Nationwide Children’s Hospital became much more personal when my brother was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease. In the middle of fear and uncertainty, the care team at Nationwide became an anchor for my family. Their compassion, expertise, and innovation helped carry him across the finish line. To this day, we remain connected with his doctors and research team. That’s the kind of lasting impact this hospital makes. 

Over the past four years, I’ve raised over $3,000 to support pediatric cancer research, worked in the Mason Lab at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and spearheaded the hospital’s Mechanisms of Human Health and Disease Program. Most importantly, I’ve gotten to know the incredible Champion Families - kids who have fought or are fighting pediatric cancer and blood disorders. Their strength and joy remind me why this work matters. 

As I step into my final year at Ohio State, I’m making one last, meaningful ask as a member of Homecoming Court: to join me in changing children's health and their futures. Every gift to my Buckeye Funder campaign goes directly to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, fueling groundbreaking research, clinical trials, and vital psychosocial support for kids and families. Together, we can help change kids’ health and their futures. 

Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey, and to those just learning my story, I hope you’ll consider joining me in this final push. Your support means the world, and it truly makes miracles possible.