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Ishani Gandi has a big heart. Between serving as the treasurer for the Southlake Foundation and volunteering as the youth services philanthropy officer for the American Red Cross North Texas region, the Dragon senior is always putting her best foot forward for those who need it most. Her commitment to others continues this winter with her fundraising efforts towards sickle cell treatments.
Volunteering with the Red Cross organization since her freshman year, Ishani’s involvement with the nonprofit has ranged from social media vlogging to community-focused health care initiatives. Throughout the month of November, Ishani led a series of community events such as car washes and bake sales to raise money for sickle cell disease, a chronic condition that affects blood flow for over 100,000 people due to misshapen blood cells.
“Everyone was super committed to it,” Ishani says on MySouthlakeNews.com. “They were asking questions and looking for ways to contribute. It was cool to see everyone as engaged as I was and really committed to the cause.”
Through her numerous fundraising initiatives, Ishani ended up collecting over $13,000 for sickle cell treatment and research in the North Texas area.
“I’m able to balance it all because I love what I do,” Ishani says on MySouthlakeNews.com. “I never have to force myself to do any of this. I just enjoy being able to make a difference.”