Aarya Menon: Dedicated to Children of Cancer Patients

High school student Aarya Menon is used to people’s surprise when they learn she is the founder of Project Rising Stars, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting children whose parent or caregiver is undergoing cancer treatment. After all, the teen who loves baking, painting, music and socializing was only 15 when launching the nonprofit, an idea that came to fruition after she had spent the previous summer shadowing an oncologist in a cancer treatment center.

“That summer I learned how the patients felt, what they were going through, and I saw how their children suffered, how concerned they were for their parents,” Aarya recalled. “It’s heartbreaking when a parent is going through cancer treatment and is limited in what they can do for their kids.” During cancer treatment, much can start falling through the cracks. From meals to help with homework, to wanting someone to talk with about what’s weighing on their minds, many parents and kids are doing the best they can to get through each day.

Deeply inspired to make a difference, Aarya began planning how she might be able to provide Christmas gifts and a holiday party for the kids of all the patients. “I cold emailed every doctor I could in the medical network, telling them my goal of providing these kids with gifts and asking for donations to help make that happen.” The donations came, but not only from doctors. People in the community heard about the project and wanted to help. “Laura Iacopi donated a substantial amount, which really got the ball rolling. I will always be grateful to Laura for doing that,” Aarya said with emotion.

In a scene reminiscent of a Hallmark movie, kids from Lodi, Stockton and Modesto came for the party, where they enjoyed cookie decorating, games and, indeed, each received gifts as Aarya had envisioned. “Seeing other people happy just brings me so much joy. I love giving back to others and being of real help to them,” she enthused. “That Christmas experience is what made me want to do a nonprofit. One patient was crying with gratitude, telling me she couldn’t afford gifts for her kids that year and how much it meant to her. It was so heartwarming and honestly made me feel the positive impact I could make on other peoples’ lives, which is what I’ve always wanted to do with my life.”

It turns out the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Aarya’s mother, Indu, is a teacher of special needs students at Lincoln High School and her father, AJ, is an oncologist at Stockton Hematology and Oncology Medical Group. “I grew up seeing the heart both of my parents have for helping others; they both love what they do and it definitely had a positive effect on me,” she recalled. After the Christmas party, the die was cast. Aarya wanted to do more than deliver holiday cheer; she wanted to help kids and families year-round, but she would need help.

Aarya’s neighbor, Charlynn Harless, was already a nonprofit director and agreed to help her set up the 501(c)(3). Brooke McCollough of Adventist Hospital became a board member and mentor while Ashley McManus promoted the group on social media. Isabella Calderon helped lead the free meal deliveries through the Stockton and Lodi Community Foundations. Aarya emphasized that Project Rising Stars would be impossible without the extensive help of these and many other individuals.

Dr. Christine Pearston, a licensed clinical psychologist, leads the Rising Stars private support group, a safe, supportive space where kids 5 to 18 and their parents or caregivers can express their feelings, build resilience and know they are not alone. Online meetings and free virtual counseling are also offered through grants from the Cortopassi Family Foundation and the Raymus Foundation. Project Rising Stars exists to ensure no child feels invisible during such a difficult time.

While 2025 was jam-packed with studying for AP tests and SAT prep, Aarya was also preparing for her Arangetram, a stunningly beautiful dance production presented after ten years spent mastering the many cultural dances that tell stories of South India’s religious history. Aarya performed the equivalent of an Olympic decathlon of classical Bharatanatyam dances after practicing them for over three hours every Sunday for eight months, plus many hours during the rest of the week.

Aarya said the demanding experience taught her that “mindset is the foundation for everything you do and even what you attract into your life.” The process of bringing a nonprofit organization to life is a tall order on its own, but Aarya concluded, “Shifting to a mindset of ability and confidence was everything.”

To learn more, visit projectrisingstars.org.