UNH Up ‘til Dawn Campaign Raises $87,000 – and Counting – to Fight Childhood Cancer

One of the students leading the effort has been Annamaria Primiani ’15, of East Elmhurst, N.Y., has seen firsthand the devastating impact of cancer, as the disease affected her great grandmother, grandparents and her mother.

"Efforts to cure cancer have always been close to my heart," she said.

She spent time in high school volunteering at a children’s hospital, so when she learned during her first year at UNH about Up ’til Dawn, a program sponsored by St. Jude Children’s’ Research Hospital that raises money to find a cure for childhood cancer, she was hooked.

Primiani has been involved every year since, culminating with her work this year as senior vice president of recruitment and retention for the UNH group. The amount raised surpassed the group’s goal of $50,000, set one year after raising $34,000. The $34,000 was the most in New England in 2013-14.

"I always say that passion leads to determination and determination goes a long way," said. Primiani.

That passion and determination was on full display earlier this month as the nearly 80 teams – numbering more than 450 people –gathered on a Saturday night at the end of February to celebrate their success and stay up all night in honor of those affected by cancer.

"Seeing how much money our school has raised makes me feel as though we are making a difference," said Anthony Bouchard ’15, of Milford, Conn., executive director of UNH’s campaign. "We can help make at least one person’s life better."

Over the last two years, Bianca Gureralp ’16, of North Bergen, N.J., has raised nearly $3,400 for St. Jude, making her the top individual fundraiser for two years running.

"My motto is giving selflessly. Whether it is dedicating your time or money, giving back is one of the greatest things we can do as human beings,’’ she said.

Olivia Schutz ’18, of Huntersville, N.C., learned about Up ‘til Dawn soon after arriving on campus last fall.

"Having several people in my family who were affected by cancer, including my mom and grandfather, I know how much situations such as cancer can alter lives," said Schutz, who raised nearly $1,200. "Raising money for these kids further supports them throughout their hardships."

As she completes her final Up ‘til Dawn campaign, Primiani says she hopes the volunteers end the campaign "with a humbled heart and a smile on their face."

She certainly will.

"Community service inside and outside of St. Jude has changed my life and makes me want to be a better person each and every day," she said.