Issue link: https://tmcpulse.uberflip.com/i/662005
t m c » p u l s e | a p r i l 2 0 1 6 5 O n a brisk winter morning at a private airfield in Tomball, Texas, the whirring of helicopter rotor blades sent a gust of wind toward a resolute band of University of Houston (UH) students. Clad in superhero costumes— with capes and hair billowing in the wind—and insulated by matching knit beanies featuring the words, "Love Your Melon," they waved on the helicopter's ascent. As the blades tilted forward for takeoff and the cockpit became visible, Jacob, a pediatric cancer patient battling leukemia, popped into view. Previously stoic and slightly withdrawn, a faint smirk crept across the corners of his lips before settling into a broad, happy grin. Cheering below as the heli- copter receded into a single point on reprieve for pediatric patients battling through treatment, these superhero adventures—which are possible through donations as well as profits from merchandise sales—take children to the clouds, the high seas and the open road in the form of helicopter, plane, boat and limo rides. It's all part of the mission of Love Your Melon, an apparel brand run by college students across the country who are working to give a hat to every child battling cancer in America. To date, Campus Crew members have donated over 51,000 beanies, including more than 33,000 in 2015 alone. "That's what really attracted me to Campus Crew—their core mission of donating hats to children battling cancer," said Samantha Russell, a UH student and founder of UH's Campus Crew. "It creates such a big impact on their day, even though it's just a hat. They really appreciate you going into their hospital room or visiting them at home. Letting them know that some- one's thinking about them and cares about them is invaluable." But as Russell explained, Love Your Melon is about much more than just the hats. In communities across the country, an ever-expanding network of student crew members—known as "ambassadors"—raise awareness for childhood cancer through sales, volun- teer work, and other initiatives such as the superhero adventures. More than 11,000 college students at over 736 schools nationwide have signed on as ambassadors. We hope that events like these provide a positive experience for pediatric cancer patients to talk about. […] All of that happiness is powerful, and we want to help them create something that will stay with them. — SAMANTHA RUSSELL Founder of the University of Houston Love Your Melon Campus Crew Student Superheroes Members of the UH Love Your Melon Campus Crew—an apparel brand run by college students across the country—provide support and adventures for pediatric cancer patients B y A l e x O r l a n d o the horizon, the members of UH's Love Your Melon Campus Crew had accom- plished their mission: to buoy Jacob's spirits and put a smile on his face. Hoping to provide a much-needed Members of the University of Houston Love Your Melon Campus Crew held a special "superhero adventure" for a pediatric cancer patient.