Brunswick students aim to raise $100,000 for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

BRUNSWICK — A group of nearly 30 Brunswick High School students is working to raise $100,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The students are involved in the Student Visionaries of the Year program in which teams from across the country compete with one another to raise the most money for the nonprofit. Brunswick Schools Community Relations Coordinator Dawn Allar said she has watched the program expand over the past few years. In 2023, 10 students set a goal of raising $25,000 and ended up raising more than $50,000. In 2024, 16 students had a $75,000 goal and raised more than $85,000. "Our mission is to create a cancer-free world," junior Emily Woolard said. "Today, millions of people struggle with their fight against cancer and look to us to seek answers and treatment. We consider it a privilege to serve our community and aid in the fight against blood cancer." Senior Abigail Karim is taking part in the program for a second year. She said planning began in August in which the group started promoting on social media, contacting businesses, meeting with school administration and presenting in front of the Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Center. "I joined (the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) because I have a passion for helping others, and want to go into the medical field when I'm older," she said. "(The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) has given me an opportunity to start making a difference in the world." Junior Luke Weinhauer said he became involved in the program three years ago because he saw people affected by cancer like Collin Nemet, his friend from elementary school, who died because of it. Weinhauer said he is also supporting the program for his classmate Mick McGinnis, who was declared cancer free from B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia in August. McGinnis was selected as this year's Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Northeastern Ohio Hero, which means he is a representative of this year's campaign for the entire region. "Mick has had his battle with cancer, but that doesn't stop him from being the happiest kid I know," he said. "The whole community loves him. He's always giving fist bumps in the hallway and saying hi to everyone." To raise funds, the group will have events like chuck a duck during the boy's varsity basketball game at 7 p.m. Saturday, Karim said. Rick Smith Jr. will also perform an already-sold-out magic show in the performing arts center Feb. 22 to raise funds. Super Bowl squares will be sold as well, she said. Brunswick's team is already receiving corporate support from businesses like Crumbl, Chick-fil-A, Domino's and Starbucks. Fundraising efforts last for seven weeks. To donate to Brunswick's campaign, visit tinyurl.com/4sfcedes. To learn more about the campaign, visit @brunswickforabrighterfuture on Facebook and Instagram. Questions can also be directed to brunswicksvoty25@gmail.com. "We want to give patients as much support as we can through their tough battle," Weinhauer said. "We believe every dollar raised is one step closer to a world with no cancer. Being part of this organization, we want to do something bigger than ourselves and make a meaningful difference in the lives of blood cancer patients and their families." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.