Manasvi Koul, age 18, of Waxhaw, North Carolina, has been named one of ten national winners of the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. Each year, the Barron Prize honors 25 inspiring young people – 10 winners and 15 finalists – who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet.

Barron Prize winners each receive $2,500 to be applied to their higher education or to their service project. Manasvi founded the LIVEbeyond Foundation to educate and recruit bone marrow and cord blood donors.

So far, she has registered more than 500 people. Diagnosed with cancer of the lymphatic system at age 12, Manasvi nearly died when she was unable to get a bone marrow match. After a two year battle, she recovered and started her foundation to make sure future children do not die for lack of a transplant.