Five eighth graders from Holy Child Jesus School, Richmond Hill, could not sit by and do nothing as their classmate battled with lupus, a health disorder for which there is currently no cure.

In order to help spread the word about lupus, Jessica Seitz, Emily Li, Jenifer Torres, Antonio Ortega and Anam Majeed set up a table during their parish picnic. They distributed information materials, posters and purple ribbons in honor of Lupus Awareness Month.

Although the students were not asking for donations, parishioners were so moved by their story that the students raised $1,545 by the end of the event. They donated the money to the Lupus Alliance of America.

Inspired by their success, the young humanitarians organized a bake sale. After asking their parents for a ride to the store and spending their own money to buy supplies, the youngsters spent two days after school baking 600 chocolate chip cookies. Their family members helped them make other items including brownies, cupcakes and lollipops. Keeping their goal in mind, they also ordered Lupus Awareness bracelets to sell along with their baked treats.

They sold their items by taking orders from their schoolmates in nursery, pre-k and kindergarten. Anything that was left over was sold at the school’s band recital. In this way, they raised $1,053, which they presented to their friend who is battling lupus and her family during the school’s graduation picnic.

“Helping my dear friend and others diagnosed with lupus gave me a sense of pride,” Torres said. “Even though our fundraiser was organized in a short time, I think it worked out very well. Doing things for others always gives you a great feeling inside, and it makes you want to continue doing good. I will try my best to continue doing good for others in our community.”

 “I do believe we had an effect on people, but I also believe we aren’t done spreading the word,” Ortega said. “There is still so much we can do for our friend and others, and I believe with the help of others, we can accomplish a lot. Not only are we trying to help raise awareness, but we want to show everyone that anyone can make a difference if you truly believe in yourself, and that’s what we are doing.”

“My friends and I wanted to start this fundraiser because our parents always taught us that when someone is in need — to always help, especially if it’s a friend,” Seitz said. “I think the outcome was very surprising but not really. We exceeded the goal we had set. I really feel like I made a difference, and it has given me a great sense of pride. I feel it is important to think outside of yourself; in the end it makes you a better person.”­

Contributing to this article were A. Quiatchon and Michelle Seitz.