Brunswick students raise nearly $48,000 for blood cancer research

BRUNSWICK — A group of 15 Brunswick High School students recently raised nearly $48,000 in this year's "Brunswick for a Brighter Future" campaign to benefit those impacted by blood cancer. The campaign was done through Blood Cancer United's Student Visionaries of the Year program. Since the group started participating in 2023, "Brunswick for a Brighter Future" has raised more than $300,000, which goes toward blood cancer research, mental health programs, financial assistance and transportation for patients and their caregivers. This year's team was led by Callie Toney and Natalia Nimylowycz. "This was very important to me because my grandma was actually diagnosed with cancer and sadly passed away," Nimylowycz said. "I really wanted to help those who were in her situation. I really wanted to support patients and their families and make sure they could live the best possible life and have all the help that they needed." The fundraising campaign runs for several weeks at the beginning of the year, but Toney and Nimylowycz started preparing months in advance. Nimylowycz said the group fundraised by having a bingo night at Market 42, spoke in front of the Brunswick Rotary, asked for donations and sponsorships from businesses and held a "chuck a duck" event at the high school for prizes. "I learned a lot of leadership skills," Nimylowycz said. "I also learned what people go through who have blood cancer. I got to hear so many of their stories and how much of an impact Blood Cancer United can have on them, and how much it can help them when they're going through such a hard time." Brunswick's team raised $47,812 this year, and about $1.9 million was raised across Northeast Ohio's 39 teams, she said. "Any schools that don't have a program, it would be great if they could start a program," Nimylowycz said. "I think it just creates such a big impact for everyone that has to go through something like this. It's really amazing what they do." The following other students took part in "Brunswick for a Brighter Future" this year: Ian Boone Brayden Brown Cadence Jenne Emma Karim Ellie Kunesh Svetlana Milanovic Makayla Moore Xavier Nimylowycz Gianna Paul Isabella Rabasi Braedon Sopko Chloe Stevens Taylor Rutledge "I couldn't be prouder of these students who, year after year, pour their hearts into this important cause," Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer stated in a media release. "Many of these students were part of last year's record-breaking team, and they continue to make a real difference in the lives of cancer patients. This initiative brings our entire Brunswick community together in a powerful way. The dedication, creativity, and compassion these students show is exactly what we hope to inspire in every student." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.