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BOSTON – Olivia Zhang wasn’t alive when Princess Diana died, but the 18-year-old is inspired by Diana’s legacy of service. “What I admire most about her is that she was in a privileged position, and she knew it. And she kind of used that platform to help vulnerable populations,” Olivia told WBZ-TV a week after receiving the Diana Award in London.
Olivia, a native of McLean, Virginia, founded Cancer Kids First at the age of 14 after the death of her grandfather and favorite teacher. The group is now the largest youth-led cancer nonprofit in the world. Its mission is to ease the burden on children with cancer and their families and help hospitals in developing countries pay for resources and equipment. The group has developed partnerships with 70 hospitals in 19 countries.
Among the other 19 awardees (1,200 young people were nominated) are young people from Nigeria and Jamaica, two countries where Olivia hopes Cancer Kids First can build new partnerships. She plans to build on the connections they formed at the ceremony so Cancer Kids First can help more families around the world.
CBS Boston
Prince William presented the awards at The Legacy Award ceremony on March 14. Olivia, currently a freshman at Harvard University, says hearing her name announced to her was surreal. She describes a feeling of shock; a feeling quickly replaced as she walked towards the podium. “I was also very afraid of tripping over my dress in front of everyone. But it was very exciting because I was able to invite my mother on an international trip, all expenses paid,” she said. “It was really great to have someone with me who has supported me all the way.”
The Prince of Wales told Olivia that he and Princess Catherine appreciated her work helping children. Prince Harry was not at the event. But the honorees spoke with him via video call after the ceremony in which they praised them for his work and service at such a busy time in their lives. Olivia asked her how she honors her mother’s legacy. She says Harry told her that he tries to channel Diana’s bravery.
Princess Diana believed in the power of young people to change the world. Olivia says that has always resonated with her because one of the biggest hurdles in launching Cancer Kids First was getting adults to take the group seriously. Those days are gone. Olivia hopes she and the other honorees are living proof that she is never too young to turn ideas into action.
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