A Long Island high school student is making an extraordinary impact by donating hundreds of toys to pediatric cancer patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan. Eliza Liebowitz, a 16-year-old from Roslyn High School, has been bringing a "Courage Cart" filled with specially requested action figures, dolls, games, and art supplies to the medical center. Her initiative was inspired by a friend's time being treated at the renowned hospital.

A High Schooler's Generosity Transforms Pediatric Cancer Patients' Lives

Donating with a Purpose

Eliza Liebowitz's dedication to helping pediatric cancer patients is truly remarkable. She has been actively involved in charity work since the age of five, organizing blood and food drives and providing relief efforts for disaster victims. But her work with the "Courage Cart" is on a whole new level.Most of the donations come from her outreach to neighbors on Long Island. She and her mother, Donna, or a volunteer will drop off the toys using a large, blue cart. Although she wishes she could walk the toys up to the pediatric floor herself, strict rules apply. But she takes comfort in knowing that the nurses always report how grateful the kids are. One child even jumped up and said, "This is exactly [a toy] one of the kids wanted."

The Impact of Personal Connection

Liebowitz's personal connection to the cause became even stronger when she saw her friend Aidan battle acute myeloid leukemia for half a year in the cancer center. This experience motivated her to do even more. Aidan became a liaison, letting her know exactly what other kids wanted to play with. The list included Legos, board games, Ninja Turtles toys, and Madlibs. Older pediatric patients could enjoy more age-appropriate gifts like video game consoles.The impact of these toys is immeasurable. Aidan's mother, Randi, said that kids being able to hold onto Barbie dolls and action figures is instrumental. "It really helps them to feel strong," she told The Post. "If they could forget why they are there, even for just a few minutes, that's very helpful."

Inspiring Others to Act

Aidan's cancer went into remission months ago, and he is now happily enjoying college life. But Liebowitz's efforts have continued to inspire others. Nathaniel Rubin, a 17-year-old classmate, took up a collection and will send over 100 toys to Memorial Sloan Kettering in the coming days. "It's very important for me to bring a smile to a child's face this holiday season, especially ones in those circumstances," Rubin said. "I've been collecting toys all year to do this."Liebowitz hopes that her work will inspire generations to come. She plans to work with more cancer charities and launch other missions in Spring 2025. For now, she is taking in the meaningful change already accomplished. "Knowing that other people are getting inspired by what I started, I hope we can keep this going forever," she said.Those looking to donate can contact Go With Courage or message Liebowitz's philanthropic Instagram page, @CleanYourClosetsOutForChildren.