PNW Student Life Leaders Share Messages of Hope to Local Patients Fighting Cancer

PNW student leaders with the Student Life Activities Board, as well as staff members, joined in folding 1,000 paper origami cranes to give in support to patients fighting cancer.

Purdue University Northwest student leaders with the Student Life Activities Board have completed a heartfelt gesture by donating 1,000 individually folded paper origami cranes to give in support to patients fighting cancer in Northwest Indiana.

The board members, who were inspired by the spirit of generosity tied to PNW’s annual Day of Giving, spent numerous hours together folding the cranes, incorporating messages of hope, healing and resilience.

The legend of the cranes’ healing impact is based on the story of “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes.” The novel chronicles the life of Sadako Sasaki, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, who said an ill person who folds 1,000 cranes would be rewarded with good health.

“The student response has been incredible,” said PNW student and SLAB member Mauricio Moren. “From first-time folders to those with personal stories tied to cancer, each crane created holds a little piece of someone’s intention to spread hope. This initiative has evolved into a larger conversation about student leadership, empathy and the power of small acts creating real impact. We’re not only folding cranes, we’re supporting a community of students who care deeply and are willing to act on it.”

The PNW Student Life Activity Board members have delivered paper cranes to several area cancer and outpatient treatment centers.