We host weekly or biweekly hospital rotations and "Gold Week" campaigns that transform treatment centers into immersive campsites featuring tents, projectors, and traditional camp games.
Our initiative focuses on "bringing the outdoors" to young cancer patients through hands-on Scout skill workshops, educational videos, and a dedicated art-and-card drive.
You can join our quest by donating to our $50,000 research goal, volunteering for virtual companionship sessions, or contributing to our toy and "Letters of Hope" collections.
About Me
My name is Shriyans Katukuri
My journey began as a young Boy Scout after a week spent at summer camp. The day after I returned, my Scoutmaster asked us to prepare gift baskets for children at Kaiser Permanente. While I had just spent a week enjoying the freedom of the outdoors, I found myself face-to-face with kids younger than me who were confined to small hospital rooms, unable to afford the best treatments.
Seeing their bodies unable to perform the fun activities I had just experienced made me realize I had to help. Growing up around hospitals like Seattle Children’s, Fred Hutch, and Kaiser, I’ve been exposed to the tragic reality of youth cancer victims. My goal is to ensure that having cancer doesn’t mean a life is ruined, but rather one still filled with adventure.
My Research
Researched and authored a 4000+ word research paper, titled, "CRISPR-Cas9 for Treating Genetic Blood Disorders: Promises and Limits" under Dr.Prahlad Parajuli, Professor at Wayne State University. This paper discusses the present applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in several different monogenic blood disorders but it takes evidence and data from published clinical trials to establish the possibility of applying CRISPR-Cas9 to treat polygenic blood disorders through an unconventional treatment process that has proven to be more successful.
Leadership
1 / Eagle Scout with Bronze Palm
Served for two years in leadership, including one year as the Senior Patrol Leader.
2 / Youth Volunteer Manager at Washington Telangana Association
Worked with a team to design and execute youth-friendly Indian cultural events in the Seattle area.
3 / Indian Student Association Founder/President
Established the club at school and organized events, one of which reached an attendance of 180 people.
4 / Club Officer for Interlake HOSA
Organized educational sessions to help members excel in competitive events and assisted with general club operations.
Cancer Mentorship at Seattle Pacific University
Participated in a summer program to familiarize high schoolers with oncology, culminating in assisting professors with lab research.
Optometrist Shadowing at Redmond Lenscrafters
Observed medical equipment operation and patient diagnosis while assisting the team with clinical operations.
Upcoming Events
Sustainable Agriculture Techniques ConferenceSat, Mar 14Greenfield Conference Center
Nature and Wellness Retreat ExperienceSat, Mar 14Foresters Hall
Eco-Friendly Celebration & Community GatheringSat, Mar 14Unity Park
