While still in high school, Nikki Ferraro was diagnosed with a rare form of thyroid cancer. But that didn’t stop her; instead, while receiving treatment, she organized a Relay for Life team and raised $20,000 for the American Cancer Society.

She’s now a survivor, but this 2011 Chantilly High grad is still caring for others battling the disease. She and her parents formed the nonprofit Bite Me Cancer Foundation, www.bitemecancer.org, to help teens with cancer and to fight thyroid cancer. And now Ferraro distributes support bags she’s filled with music, a special message from her and other items to help and inspire teens going through what she did.

This Thursday, Jan. 3, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Bite Me Cancer will hold its 2013 kick-off reception at the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce office, 1763 Fountain Drive in Reston. Ferraro and others will talk about the foundation and their goals for it this year. The event is free, but seating is limited, so those planning to attend must register in advance at http://bmckickoff.eventbrite.com.