Putting the Fun in Fundraising: Interview with Kristin, Livestrong Ambassador

Make Fundraising FUN: Interview with Kristin, Livestrong Ambassador

2 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. While it’s likely that all of us know someone who has a cancer story, it can be hard to know how to support your friends and loved ones on this journey.

Kristin Leung has been involved with Livestrong for more than a decade, serving as a Livestrong Ambassador, Livestrong at the YMCA instructor, and volunteer cancer advocate on Capitol Hill. She shared her top tips on engaging ways to support cancer services through fundraising.

Women cheering at 5K event
Kristin cheering at the finish line of Livestrong’s 2022 5K/10K

What motivates you to fundraise for Livestrong?

“Fundraising for Livestrong is a way for me to support cancer patients and survivors, educate my community about what Livestrong does, and give my neighbors the opportunity to give back, too!”

Tell us about some of the fundraisers you have organized.

“As a Livestrong Ambassador, I have organized many different fundraisers. I ran a virtual 5K from 2015–2017 (way before virtual events were cool!), designed and sold T-shirts, invited my middle school track athletes to participate in a ‘lap-a-thon,’ and challenged my entire middle school community to a ‘change for change’ competition. This year, I am leaning on my experience as a yoga teacher and connecting to others in my community.”

This summer alone, Kristin has taken her passion for health and wellness and combined it with her support of Livestrong’s mission, hosting two yoga fundraisers: Yoga and Beer and Yoga and Wine.

3 people serving drinks
Kristin’s Yoga and Beer fundraiser

What pointers do you have for others hoping to start community fundraisers?

“Reach out to your community and see who might be interested in partnering or helping out! Many local businesses (and individuals) are happy to support fundraisers that positively impact their customers, clients, neighbors and friends. This is also a great way to network and get to know others who might be able to help with future fundraisers and activities. I am also part of my town’s community Facebook group and occasionally post about who I am, what I do for Livestrong, and ask if anyone knows any businesses who might be interested in partnering for an event.”

Why give?

Your donation helps Livestrong solve the everyday problems a cancer diagnosis brings. We do this through critical programs like personal navigation, fertility preservation, solution grants to cutting-edge community partners, and much more. Learn more about our programs

Brochures on table
Kristin offers resources like the Livestrong Guidebook and the Living After Cancer Treatment Brochure at her events.

You can do it. We can help!

It’s right in the name — fundraising can be FUN! Follow Kristin’s lead and do something you love to support someone you love who is affected by cancer.

Ready to get started? Follow these steps:

  1. Create a free, customizable web page on our fundraising platform to spread the word about your event.
  2. The Livestrong team will be in touch with ways we can support you, such as providing information about our mission for you to share at your event.
  3. Have fun while doing good! Consider displaying a QR code at your event so participants can donate to your fundraising page in the moment.

For more information on DIY fundraising events, contact communityfundraising@livestrong.org.

Learn more about Kristin at kristinleungwellness.com.


Putting the Fun in Fundraising: Interview with Kristin, Livestrong Ambassador was originally published in Livestrong Voices on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.