In spring 2019, Mike and Cathy Buhai, generous supporters of The University of Alabama, established a special tradition.
Inspired by their daughter Katie, who was named homecoming queen the previous fall, they created an endowed fund that allows each year’s queen to donate to a campus organization she’s passionate about. Their daughter’s passion for giving back was evident, and the Buhais wanted to make sure future queens have the same opportunity to make a lasting impact.
This year, 2024 homecoming queen Hannah Adams, was able to use this fund and selected the American Cancer Society on Campus to receive the donation. This organization is close to Adams’ heart.
“When I was five years old, I was one of just nine kids in the world diagnosed with a rare form of Stage 3 Nephroblastoma,” Adams shared. “A softball-sized tumor was wrapped around my kidney. I went through radiation, 28 weeks of chemo, two blood transfusions and surgery. Today, I’m proud to say I’m a fifteen-year cancer survivor.”
That experience became the foundation for her life’s purpose: helping others affected by cancer. Driven by that goal, Adams has become a national leader in the fight against pediatric cancer. She serves on the Advisory Council for the American Cancer Society’s Gold Together initiative, where she leads a team of youth ambassadors from across the country. The team advocates for childhood cancer legislation, raises awareness and provides crucial support for families affected by the disease.
“With the generosity of the Homecoming Queen Endowed Fund, I chose to contribute the funds to the UA American Cancer Society on Campus chapter,” she said. “The reality is that every individual in our community knows someone who has fought cancer. I want each person to know that they can play a role in ending cancer once and for all.”
Adams also launched the UA Relay for Life Gold Together team during her time at the Capstone, engaging students in fundraising and awareness campaigns that reach far beyond campus.
“The quote I have carried with me since I was in treatment is: ‘Life is precious; you never know what it has in store, but hope is always worth fighting for,’” she said. “As Homecoming Queen, I hope to leave a legacy of a love for service, passion for change, and intentionality towards others on our campus.”