NILES -- It's certainly a busy time for Niles High School senior Bethany Sirovica.

"I've been putting together my scrapbook for my graduation. Just getting my school work done and getting my grades as high as they can go before finals," Sirovica said.

On top of it all, she's hoping to raise $5,000 in memory of a very special friend.

"Austin Melgar, he passed away a couple of weeks ago from neuroblastoma," said Sirovica.

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that attacks the nervous system.

Bethany met Austin in 2006 at a Cure Search cancer walk.

"And he just really touched my life and he was a fighter. He was a fighter until the end and he didn't give up," said Sirovica.

After Austin lost his fight, Bethany knew she wanted to do more than just raise money. But what? Bethany says after having a dream about kids battling cancer, that very question was answered.

“They all took off their bandannas off their head and it was really sunny. And they just looked at me like, 'Wow, she doesn't have to shave her head but she's going to,'" said Sirovica.

Bethany plans to say goodbye to her signature 'do' at this year's Cure Search cancer walk. It also happens to be the day before her graduation party.

"I think when I look back at those pictures, I think I'll always remember Austin. And I'll always think of him through not having hair," said Sirovica.

And proving to herself and her peers about what matters most — that true beauty lies within.

"It's not the biggest thing. That, you know, my heart's bigger than my hair. I just hope to prove that point if I'm able to raise the money," said Sirovica.

Bethany has until May 24 to raise all the money. So far she's only collected $1,000.

If you’d like to donate, you can contact her at 574-309-8507 or 269-684-4959. You can also email her at NACKID247@sbcglobal.net.