College Student Raises Support for Cancer Research in Honor of Her Father and Grandfather

Torri Johnson

College student, volleyball player, ACS supporter

With an intimate understanding of how life after cancer is a gift, Torri raises funds for the American Cancer Society to help other families battling cancer.

Torri Johnson is an incredibly motivated and active college sophomore – from her nationally ranked club volleyball team to sorority life and the Student Alumni Association, it may seem like Torri is spanning the campus with her host of activities and commitments. But it’s easier to understand why this outgoing San Diego native is so passionate about making the most of her time at the University of California, Los Angeles, when you learn how lucky she is to be here, let alone thriving.

Torri’s father was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma before Torri was born, and Torri is the happy byproduct of his survival. Unfortunately, Torri’s grandfather succumbed to lung cancer when she was in junior high. This exposure to both the hope and struggle associated with cancer has led Torri to devote her time to supporting the American Cancer Society and walk in honor of her father and grandfather at it’s Relay for Life event in Los Angeles.

Torri was seeking an effective way to rally friends and family to join her Relay for Life team, and draw attention and support for her fundraising efforts. She used Hobnob to send invitations to participate, and saw interest leap due to its compelling design and intimate text-based delivery. Torri says that “on a whim, I decided to add guests who don’t even live near the event in Los Angeles, and then found that I had donations on my Relay for Life page from places like Denver!” Hobnob helped her reach her initial fundraising goal and now we hope to bring attention to her cause so she can surpass it. As Torri says: “You never know what happens when you reach out!”

Learn more about Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society’s primary, community-based fundraising effort, and how they raise more than $400 million annually to invest in groundbreaking research in every type of cancer and provide free information and services to cancer patients and their caregivers. Also, see Torri’s Team and personal Relay for Life pages.