Whiz Kid: Andie Wong, Girl Scout

Whiz Kid: Andie Wong

School/Grade: Trabuco Hills High School/11th Grade

Parents: Judy Voight-Wong and Harold Wong

Place of Residence: Rancho Santa Margarita

Whiz Kid Accomplishment: In addition to being an honor student and No. 7 in her class, this Girl Scout is taking on a Blood Marrow Registry Drive as part of her Gold Award Project.

Key to Awesomeness:  Since she was a young girl, Andie Wong’s mother always encouraged her to help others. Her mother was a frequent donor to the Red Cross blood drive and often took her daughter with her to give blood. Andie joined the Girl Scouts years ago and has volunteered for many organizations during her time, but recently, as she prepared for her Girl Scout Gold Award Project, Andie discovered her true passion.

In researching the Red Cross blood drives online, Andie noticed how great the need was for bone marrow registers. She contacted the Be the Match program and learned a few surprising facts about bone marrow donation. Most people, she discovered, sign up to be a match on a whim, never really thinking someone’s life could depend on theirs. When the time comes to actually donate, many unfortunately back out. This is largely due to the fact that the donors assume the process will be long and painful, when in fact it is now painless and simple, much like giving blood. Andie also realized that the registry would have to be expanded for people of different ethnicities (she is half Chinese and half caucasian).

For her Gold Award Project, Andie partnered with the National Bone Marrow Program to educate her community about the National Bone Marrow Registry. She plans to put together 200 registry kits on her own this week. Next, she plans to attend Girl Scout camp and put together another 1,000 kits with the help of her fellow campers. During the week-long camp, Andie will also educate the girls and their families on the importance of bone marrow registry. Upon returning from camp, Andie will conduct a Bone Marrow Registry Drive on August 6 from 10-4 p.m. at the Bell Tower in Rancho Santa Margarita. All people age 18-60 in good health are encouraged to attend. She hopes this event will bring the community together and also encourage people to be thankful for their good health.

In addition to her involvement in Girl Scouts, Andie takes honors courses at Trabuco Hills and is seventh in her class. She has also run track and cross country for the past two years. For her outstanding initiative and passion for her community, Andie Wong makes an excellent candidate for this week’s Whiz Kid.