Breathe Hope

Our Impact So Far

Founded by three Milpitas High School students, Project Breathe Hope has reached hundreds of community members across multiple events — and we're just getting started.

4 Community events hosted

200+ Community members reached

154 Attendees at library event alone

MUSD Presented to entire Milpitas Unified School District

2 Senior center walkthroughs

Why Early Screening Matters

Lung cancer is often called a "silent disease" because it typically doesn't show symptoms in its early stages — when treatment is most effective. Regular screening can catch cancer early and save lives.

Most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US

Leading cause of cancer deaths

50%+

Of cases are in people aged 60+

Early

Detection dramatically improves survival outcomes

What is LDCT Screening?

Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) is a quick, painless scan that takes detailed pictures of your lungs. Here's what to expect:

Arrive at the Facility

Check in at the imaging center. The whole process typically takes less than 30 minutes.

Lie on the Table

You'll lie on a comfortable table that slides into a donut-shaped scanner. No needles or injections needed.

Hold Your Breath

The technician will ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds while the machine captures images of your lungs.

Get Your Results

Your doctor will receive the results and discuss them with you, usually within a few days.

Our Journey

From a single library walkthrough to school board presentations, Project Breathe Hope has been on the move. Here's every event we've hosted.

📍 Event #1 — Immersive Walkthrough at Milpitas Library

April 17, 2026

✅ 154 attendees confirmed

Our flagship event at the Milpitas Library featured interactive stations, a survivor wall, myth-busting displays, and free care packages. Community members of all ages walked through the LDCT screening process and learned how to assess their own risk.

Milpitas Library attendees viewing posters

📱 Watch our event TikTok recap: youtube.com/shorts/YMMl7ZWixsc

🏡 Event #2 — Immersive Walkthrough at Local Senior Center

Spring 2026

We brought our immersive walkthrough experience to a local senior center — one of the highest-risk populations for lung cancer. Seniors engaged with educational displays, completed risk assessments, and left with resource packets about local screening centers.

🏡 Event #3 — Second Senior Center Walkthrough

Spring 2026

We returned to another senior center with our refined walkthrough, featuring our colorful "Who Lung Cancer Why" poster and expanded educational materials. Seniors could walk the full simulated LDCT process and ask questions one-on-one.

🏫 Event #4 — Milpitas Unified School District Board Meeting

April 28, 2026

✅ ~40 attendees + 14 board members

We presented Project Breathe Hope to the Milpitas Unified School District board, sharing our findings and mission with district leadership. Our presentation was featured in the official MUSD Board Highlights newsletter, sent to all Milpitas Unified families. A board member called it "a really amazing project — I love to see the potential where this is going."

"MHS students stress importance of lung cancer screenings — a Milpitas High School student trio continues to spread the word on the importance of lung cancer screenings through their initiative, Project Breathe Hope."

— MUSD Board Highlights, April 28, 2026

Featured in MUSD Board Highlights

Our presentation to the Milpitas Unified School District board was featured in the official Board Highlights newsletter, sent out to every Milpitas Unified family.

"And I also ask the same of executive Cabinet and Superintendent. Okay. It's a really amazing project. I love to see the potential where this is going." — MUSD Board Member, April 28, 2026

Should You Get Screened?

Use our quick quiz to check your personal risk factors — or fill out our full in-depth risk assessment form below.

1. What is your age?

2. What is your smoking history?

3. How long have you smoked / did you smoke?

4. Have you been exposed to any of these risk factors? (select all that apply)

5. Have you noticed any of these symptoms? (select all that apply)

This form is also available in a new tab.

Coming Soon: Sophie's Story

We're self-publishing a children's book this summer to bring lung cancer awareness to younger audiences and their families.

✨ Summer 2026

A Story of Hope, Kindness & Community

Through Sophie's journey, our children's book teaches young readers about the impact of lung cancer while showing the importance of kindness, hope, and community support during difficult times. The story encourages children to take positive action and reminds them that love and friendship can help families grow stronger even when facing challenges.

Read at children's hospitals and library story times
Distributed to teachers' classrooms and school libraries
Donated to cancer centers and pediatric clinics
Fundraiser to support our printing and distribution

Illustrations in Progress 🎨

Illustrations currently in progress — final versions coming soon!

Helpful Resources

Access trusted information and support for lung cancer screening and prevention.

🏥

Find Screening Centers

Locate LDCT screening facilities near you and learn about insurance coverage.

Find Centers

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Learn More

Get comprehensive information about lung cancer, screening guidelines, and prevention.

American Lung Association

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Support Groups

Connect with others affected by lung cancer and find emotional support resources.

Find Support

Get in Touch

Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to our team at project.breathehope@gmail.com!

Our Team

Reyna Aranjany

Vritika Kummari

Poorvi Vijayananda

We'd love to hear from you! Whether you want to attend our next event, volunteer, or learn more about lung cancer screening.