Karma for Cara Foundation microgrant recipients have competed in an application process alongside other young people who have spearheaded exceptional service projects that benefit their communities. In order to qualify for a K4C award, an applicant must be 18 years of age or younger, and the project must take place in the US.
16 year old microgrant recipient Sofia (FL) believes that everyone deserves access to sun protection, no matter their financial standing. Through a sponsorship with IMPACT Melanoma, Sofia and her team at Sun Smart Youth had already provided 24 sun safety kits to homeless teens and young adults at the Covenant House Florida where Sun Smart Youth also holds educational sessions about the dangers of skin cancer and preventative techniques. With Sofia’s award, Sun Smart Youth was able to distribute more & better kits to young people who needed it the most. Included in the new & improved kits were: sunglasses, SPF lip balm, more sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a comb, a razor, deodorant, and a melanoma identification card.
| What inspired you to start this project? | Living in the Sunshine State, I’ve seen firsthand how sun safety is often overlooked, especially among vulnerable populations. Florida ranks second in the nation for new melanoma cases, yet access to sun protection is not always equitable. I believe everyone deserves the tools to stay safe, regardless of financial standing. This belief inspired me to launch this project and partner with IMPACT Melanoma to distribute sun safety kits to underserved youth. Through this work, I realized how impactful access to basic sun protection can be. That’s what drives me to expand the project—to educate, empower, and protect even more young people in my community. |
| While working on your project, what surprised you? | What surprised me most was how little awareness there was about sun safety among the youth I worked with. Many didn’t know that skin cancer could affect people of all skin tones or that Florida had one of the highest melanoma rates in the country. I also didn’t expect how receptive and curious they would be once the conversation started, asking questions, trying on the UV detection bracelets, and even sharing what they learned with friends. It showed me that education doesn’t need to be complicated to make an impact. Sometimes all it takes is a small spark to start a conversation surrounding awareness. |
| What do you feel you learned from this experience? | One staff member expressed her gratitude, telling us the importance of sun safety education, awareness, and access for people of color, noting common misconceptions surrounding increased melanin being a natural barrier. She was excited to see the children, who were mainly children of color, learn about the importance of sun protection as well as have a “starter kit” to implement the knowledge they gained into their daily lives. Moments like that reminded us how small actions can ripple into long-term impact, where healthy habits formed young can have positive impacts in the future. |
| How did Karma for Cara impact your project? | Karma for Cara allowed me to purchase the items for the sun safety kits. Without these funds, the project would not have been possible. Most importantly, it helped me reach more youth across Orlando, particularly those in underserved communities. With this support, I was able to not only offer protection but also start important conversations about skin cancer prevention and empower others to take control of their health. |
| How will your project impact others? | This project sparked important conversations about sun safety among both youth and staff. By distributing the sun safety kits and caps, I helped raise awareness of the risks of UV exposure and the importance of daily sun protection. I hope this knowledge empowers students and staff to be proactive in protecting themselves, whether by using sunscreen regularly, seeking shade, or encouraging others to do the same. With continued access to resources and a better understanding of sun safety, I believe this effort will have a ripple effect as participants share what they’ve learned with friends, family, and their broader communities. |
