Spending the entire summer at the beach with my friends before we all went off to college was the plan. But everything changed the day before my high school graduation.

I was 18 years old, healthy, athletic, and with no family history of cancer when I was diagnosed with Stage 1A seminoma testicular cancer. In an instant, my life shifted from thinking about senior celebrations and college plans to doctor’s appointments, ultrasounds, and surgery.

Hearing the word cancer felt unreal. I remember the silence in the room, the way my heart sank as my doctor spoke, and the moment I realized I’d have to be strong not just for myself, but for my family. My mom was waiting outside, and I knew the news would break her heart. So before walking her in to meet the doctor, I wiped away my tears and promised myself I’d stay strong — for her, for my family, and for myself.

The following weeks were filled with fear and uncertainty. Surgery came quickly, and recovery was slower than I wanted it to be. But throughout it all, I found one thing that helped me escape: building LEGO sets.

When everything in my life felt out of control, building gave me a sense of peace. Focusing on something creative helped quiet the thoughts that kept me up at night. Each set I built reminded me that even when life falls apart, you can rebuild — piece by piece.

That idea stuck with me.

I started Bricks for Change to bring that same feeling of hope and creativity to kids going through what I once did. I know firsthand how powerful a small distraction can be when your whole world revolves around hospital visits and test results.

My co-founder, Hannah, shares a similar story. Her dad passed away from testicular cancer in his 40s, and during his treatment, building LEGO sets helped him find moments of calm and connection with his family. Together, we wanted to take those shared experiences and turn them into something meaningful — a way to bring light into dark times and remind kids that they’re not alone.

Since our first donation at MemorialCare Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Long Beach, we’ve continued to grow, delivering LEGO sets to more hospitals and sharing stories that raise awareness about cancer and the importance of early detection.

Looking back, my cancer diagnosis changed my life — but it also gave me purpose. What started as a way to heal became a mission to help others do the same.

Every LEGO set we give represents a piece of hope, a spark of imagination, and a reminder that even when life breaks apart, you can always rebuild.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that strength comes in the moments you least expect it. LEGO helped me find mine, and now I hope to help others find theirs. Bricks for Change is about giving that same sense of hope and control back to kids fighting battles they didn’t choose and showing them that they can always build their way forward.

— Cristian Alvizo

Founder

Bricks for Change