First held in 2013 for a mother of Randolph students who was diagnosed with cancer, the event’s community support led to its establishment as an annual tradition. Money raised is added to the Randolph Community Love Fund to assist families during difficult times.

“The Love Fund is not just about cancer,” said Debbie Luce, a Randolph teaching assistant who works with students to coordinate Cards Against Cancer. “We opened it up to anybody facing any type of major medical problem in their family that financially affects their daily lives.”

This year, the Randolph Central School Student Council chose to support Alexa Hadden, a 5-year-old who was diagnosed in 2024 with Fanconi Anemia, a rare genetic disease that affects the immune system. Following her diagnosis, Alexa and her mother traveled to Buffalo once a week to get her levels checked as she waited for a bone marrow transplant. She also underwent chemo and several other medical procedures before the procedure.

In mid-December, Alexa received a bone marrow transplant from her older brother, Michael. She was later discharged to the Ronald McDonald House in Buffalo where she will continue to live for the next few weeks. Alexa’s mother, Ashley Hadden, took an indefinite leave from her job to be by Alexa’s side, putting an emotional and financial burden on the family of six.

Spectators purchase raffle tickets for one of several giveaways held as part of the recent Cards Against Cancer fundraiser.

“This family really needs it,” Luce said. “They only cover the mom’s living expenses, but not food. And they only have one car, which is in Buffalo.”

Under the guidance of Luce, Student Council members organized prize raffles, a silent pie auction and a soup bar, all of which were supported by an outpouring of donations. The main raffle included a chance to win a tri-axle load of firewood-grade logs donated by the Adams Logging Company.

The Student Council also joined Randolph athletes and the National Honor Society to sell tickets. Setting a goal of $8,000 for the Hadden family, the high schoolers — along with help from the community — raised more than double that amount.

“They love it,” Luce said. “They absolutely look forward to this just as much as I do. They take hold of it, and it’s amazing to see these kids do it. At the end of the night, the kids just scream. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. I can’t explain it.”

Cards Against Cancer coincides with junior varsity and varsity boys basketball home games, with this year’s games seeing the Cardinals face off against the Cassadaga Valley Cougars in a packed gymnasium.

“We always pick a Friday night if we can,” Luce said. “We get way more people on a Friday night. We get a lot of support from the other school coming in, too.”

“The opportunity to video chat with our loved ones in attendance was a powerful testament to the unwavering support of our community, and we are truly humbled by the kindness shown to us during this challenging time,” Ashley Hadden said. “I am honored to call Randolph my home. We extend our sincerest appreciation to everyone who contributed to this remarkable event.”

Since 2013, Cards Against Cancer has raised more than $100,000 to support local families. Those interested in supporting the fundraiser can do so anytime during the year by sending a check to the Randolph Community Love Fund, Randolph Central School, 18 Main St., Randolph, NY 14772. For more information, call Debbie Luce at 716-358-6161.