SEAL BEACH, Calif. – During Club Rush, students may have seen a small explosion of pink, smiling faces and glittery decorations at a stand. In sparkly pink writing reads at the top of a poster “Women In Medicine.”

Women in Medicine (WIM) is a club started two years ago by Los Alamitos High School (LAHS) juniors Bella Shiroma and Natalie Jenkins, who hope to guide Griffins into the world of medicine and give them exposure to the medical field in preparation for college and the real-life workplace.

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Women in Medicine's mission statement emphasizes their club's goal. (Photo courtesy of @lahswomeninmedicine)

“This club has so many events that teach young women to do as much as they can for our city. They encourage us to be better people who are selfless and who want to change the world for the better,” Romina Perez, a LAHS sophomore, said.

WIM is a space for self-growth and leadership that gives students the chance to learn about what the medical field holds. In two years, the club has gained over 50 members. 

“Our club is trying to fight gender-bias and societal norms. Although our club is ‘Women’ in Medicine, we welcome anyone that wants to join and participate with open arms! Our goal is to lead students of (LAHS) towards success. We want to lead youth into the world of medicine and make an impact on healthcare throughout our community and for the future generations,” Jenkins and Shiroma wrote in an email.

WIM is actively spreading awareness for medical conditions. One of their events this school year is their breast cancer bake sale.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, a crowd of pink, signs and treats were stationed at the front of the Seal Beach Pier. The bake sale was a huge success, raising over $700 in total. 

“Our best memory from the bake sale was being able to step aside and let the girls in the club take over. Although we are the presidents of the club, we love seeing our club members go out of their comfort zone and lead,” Jenkins and Shiroma said.

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There were many rewarding moments from the breast cancer bake sale. (Photo courtesy of Natalie Jenkins)

Chocolate chip and strawberry cookies, cake pops, Rice Krispie Treats and strawberry shortcake were some of the treats club members made and brought to sell.

Ellie Le, whose homemade cake pops were a bestselling item, appreciated the opportunity WIM gave her.

“I got to meet so many new people who share the same interests, and it’s a good way to get exposure to the medical field. I’m thankful the club provides a lot of social events and activities,” Le said.

Shiroma and Jenkins chose to have this bake sale during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. WIM partnered with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, so proceeds from the bake sale will go to making HOPE kits for patients with breast cancer

These kits involve tumblers, stationery and a collection of self-care items. They are a reminder of inspiration and comfort to patients undergoing treatment.

Later this month, WIM will get together for a party where they will package HOPE kits, using the money they raised from the bake sale, to be shipped to various hospitals.

During the holiday season, WIM will be partnering with Children’s Hospital of Orange County to raise money for children battling cancer. The club will be hosting a fundraising event to raise money to buy gifts for patients. 

“We want the community around us to learn that medicine isn’t just about fixing or helping someone or something, it’s about making an impact and saving a life in extraordinary ways,” Jenkins and Shiroma said.

You can learn more about future club meetings, events, and fundraisers on their Instagram, @lahswomeninmedicine.