Georgia High Schooler Leads Groundbreaking Cancer Research

Sai Thoutham connects over 200 people to life-saving lung cancer screenings through his national project.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A high school junior in Leesburg, Georgia named Sai Thoutham is spearheading a national project that has raised over $300,000 for cancer research in partnership with Emory University, Harvard Medical School, and Ohio State University. Thoutham has connected more than 200 people to life-saving lung cancer screening services through his billboard project, which aims to address healthcare challenges in rural areas.

Why it matters

Thoutham's work highlights the potential for young people to make significant contributions to medical research and public health initiatives, even from rural areas. His project addresses critical gaps in access to cancer screening and prevention services, which can have a major impact on health outcomes, especially in underserved communities.

The details

Thoutham, a high school junior, is leading a national project that has raised over $300,000 for cancer research. The project connects people to life-saving lung cancer screening services through a billboard campaign. Thoutham has already helped over 200 people access these critical screening services.

  • Thoutham started the project in his junior year of high school.
  • The project has raised over $300,000 to date.

The players

Sai Thoutham

A high school junior in Leesburg, Georgia who is spearheading a national cancer research project.

Emory University

One of the universities Thoutham is partnering with on his cancer research project.

Harvard Medical School

One of the universities Thoutham is partnering with on his cancer research project.

Ohio State University

One of the universities Thoutham is partnering with on his cancer research project.

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What they’re saying

“Even if you're in a rural county, even if you're a rural student, even if you go to any place in the world, absolutely anything is possible. And then just chase your dreams, chase your goals, and then one day you'll reach them and also make sure to help people and then spread happiness and then get people to be aware of lung cancer awareness and lung cancer screening because it's really important if you want to save people's lives.”

— Sai Thoutham (wrdw.com)

The takeaway

Thoutham's groundbreaking cancer research project demonstrates the power of young people to drive meaningful change in healthcare, even from rural communities. His work highlights the importance of increasing access to life-saving cancer screening and prevention services, especially in underserved areas.