CALIFORNIA, Md. — Students from across St. Mary’s County are joining forces this winter for a cause close to their hearts, bringing the community together through magic, teamwork, and hope. As part of their annual fundraising efforts, the youth-led Team Fly4aCure will host a community magic show on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, to raise money for blood cancer research and patient services.
The family-friendly event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the USMSM Smart Building, 44219 Airport Road, California, Md., with all proceeds benefiting Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Tickets are $10, with children under 5 admitted free. Pizza, snacks, and drinks will be available for purchase.
Youth-Led Fundraising With Local Impact
Team Fly4aCure is made up of 14 student members from across St. Mary’s County, ranging from middle school students to high school students. The team participates in the Student Visionaries of the Year campaign, a multi-week fundraising effort that supports blood cancer research, patient access to treatment, clinical trials, and advocacy.
Students meet throughout the year to plan events, run fundraisers, and support blood cancer research and advocacy. Team members come from several schools across St. Mary’s County and work closely together through ongoing collaboration and community outreach. Sonia Dolinger, the campaign development manager, is guiding the students through this year’s effort.
The Fly4aCure effort in Southern Maryland dates back to 2019, inspired by Dr. Arpana Shah, a board-certified dermatologist who has served the region for over two decades. That year, students organized a kite festival to bring the community together while raising funds for research. Since then, their campaigns have continued to grow, evolving into larger events and deeper outreach across the community.
For some, the mission is deeply personal. Ninth-grader Krisha Shah, one of this year’s organizers, said her mother, Dr. Minal Shah, a hematologist-oncologist, has been a major inspiration. Krisha and her sister grew up hearing firsthand the impact cancer can have on patients and families. Two of her relatives are blood cancer survivors, which further inspired her to take action. “We want to make a change and help those around us and give back to our community,” she said.
Magic Show Supports The Cause
The Feb. 21 fundraiser will include a live magic show donated in support of the students’ efforts. The performance will be given by Dr. Krishan Mathur, who many community members may recognize.
Dr. Krishan Mathur is a retired oncologist who practiced for years in Waldorf and served on local hospice teams, becoming a familiar and trusted presence for many families. Now known as a “Doctor of Magic,” he performs professionally with Washington Magic and is donating his time to support the student-led fundraiser — believing that magic is the best medicine and a powerful way to bring people together.
Each year, Team Fly4aCure organizes a different event as part of its campaign. Last year, students hosted Rhythm 2024, a multicultural performing arts showcase filled with song, dance, and community spirit — and raised nearly $60,000.
Fundraising Goals And How To Help
Team Fly4aCure’s 2026 campaign is already in full swing, and students are hoping to top last year’s total. With fundraising running through March 6, there’s still plenty of time to show your support.
You can help make the magic happen — join them at the Fly4aCure Magic Show on Feb. 21, or donate online to support blood cancer research and patient care. Every ticket, every dollar, every gesture counts.
Fly4aCure Magic Show Fundraiser
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 (11 a.m.–2 p.m.)
USMSM Smart Building, 44219 Airport Road, California, MD
$10 admission; children under 5 free
Food and drinks available for purchase
All proceeds benefit Blood Cancer United
Donate to the team at: pages.lls.org/svoy/md/svoymd26/Fly4aCure
Buy tickets at: seatyourself.biz/bloodcancerunited
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
