Olivia Zhang, founder of Cancer Kids First, receives The Diana Award

BOSTON – Olivia Zhang wasn’t alive when Princess Diana died, however the 18-year-old attracts inspiration from Diana’s legacy of service. “What I like most about her is that she was able of privilege, and he or she knew that. And he or she-kind of-utilized that platform to assist weak populations,” Olivia instructed WBZ-TV one week after receiving The Diana Award in London.

Olivia, a McLean, Virginia native, based Most cancers Children First on the age of 14 after the deaths of her grandfather and favourite instructor. The group is now the most important youth-led most cancers non-profit on the earth. Its mission is to ease the burden on kids with most cancers and their households and assist hospitals in growing international locations pay for sources and tools. The group has developed partnerships with 70 hospitals in 19 international locations.

Among the many different 19 awardees (1200 younger individuals have been nominated) are younger individuals in Nigeria and Jamaica, two international locations wherein Olivia hopes that Most cancers Children First can construct new partnerships. She plans to construct on the connections they fashioned on the ceremony in order that Most cancers Children First can assist extra households around the globe.

Prince William introduced the awards at The Legacy Award ceremony on March 14. Olivia, at present a Harvard College freshman, says listening to her identify introduced was surreal. She describes a way of shock; a sense rapidly changed as she walked towards the rostrum. “I used to be additionally very scared that I used to be going to journey on my costume in entrance of all people. But it surely was so thrilling as a result of I used to be in a position to invite my mother out for a world journey, all bills paid,” she mentioned. “It was actually cool to have someone who has supported me all through all the pieces there with me.”

The Prince of Wales instructed Olivia that he and Princess Catherine appreciated her work to assist kids. Prince Harry was not on the occasion. However the honorees spoke with him on a video name after the ceremony wherein praised them for his or her work and repair at such a busy time of their lives. Olivia requested how he honors his mom’s legacy. She says that Harry instructed her he tries to channel Diana’s fearlessness.

Princess Diana believed within the energy of younger individuals to vary the world. Olivia says that has at all times resonated together with her as a result of one of many biggest hurdles in launching Most cancers Children First was getting adults to take the group critically. These days have lengthy handed. Olivia hopes she and the opposite honorees live proof that you just’re by no means too younger to show concepts into motion.