SPHS Junior Raises Awareness, Funds For Leukemia And Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) estimates there are over 1.6 million people in the United States living with or in remission from leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma or related syndromes or neoplasms. A new diagnosis happens every three minutes.

To raise funding for research, as well as to offer students an opportunity to gain business skills and leadership experience, LLS invites student leaders to participate in its annual Student Visionaries of the Year campaign, a seven-week philanthropic leadership development initiative for high school students.

Just a year after her mother was diagnosed with cancer, Severna Park High School (SPHS) junior Brooklyn LaBrier wanted to help other families faced with a similar startling challenge. A family friend told her about the LLS student campaign; LaBrier applied and was accepted as the first SPHS student to ever have participated.

“Funding for research is critical in the fight against cancer. Every breakthrough in treatment and every new therapy comes from years of research, much of which is made possible by organizations like LLS,” LaBrier said. “The money raised by the Student Visionaries program goes directly toward funding cutting-edge research, supporting patients and their families, and advocating for policies that help improve access to care.”

LaBrier is the leader for her team, Acting Against Cancer, a name chosen for LaBrier’s love of acting and performing. She assembled a team of friends from SPHS and Archbishop Spalding High School to help her fundraise.

Unlike traditional fundraising, the Student Visionaries of the Year campaign is designed to teach students the importance of teamwork, strategic planning, and leadership while making a big impact in the fight against blood cancer.

Over the course of the campaign, which began February 1, LaBrier is leading the Acting Against Cancer team in using various fundraising methods, including a fundraiser at a local restaurant. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society provides mentorship to assist students with mapping out a plan for success while empowering them to develop skills that will benefit them well beyond the campaign.

“This campaign is just as much about raising awareness as it is about fundraising, which is one of the aspects that really drew me to it. Throughout the campaign, we have opportunities to share the mission of LLS, educate our community about blood cancers, and inspire others to take action,” LaBrier said. “Our presentations focus on the impact of blood cancers, the advancements in research made possible by LLS, and how every dollar raised brings us closer to a cure. It’s a chance to not only raise funds but also to spark meaningful conversations and create lasting change.”

LaBrier said this experience has taught her invaluable lessons in leadership, teamwork and perseverance. She’s learned how to motivate and inspire others, how to organize and execute a successful initiative, how to delegate, and most importantly, the power of coming together for a greater purpose.

“The experience has instilled values in me that I will carry for the rest of my life,” LaBrier shared. “Above all, it has reinforced that when we work together toward a common mission — like beating cancer — we can make a real and lasting impact.”

LaBrier’s parents, Kim and Jeff LaBrier, as well as parents of the other student team members, have supported the Acting Against Cancer team by hosting meetings, assisting with outreach efforts, and bridging students to local businesses or potential donors.

“Brooklyn’s decision to take fundraising to the next level through her candidacy for LLS has been incredibly meaningful to us. She has always been a born leader, driven by a deep desire to help others and make the world a better place,” said Kim LaBrier. “Seeing her step into this role with such passion and determination, especially in a community where cancer has touched so many lives, has been truly inspiring. Her commitment to raising money for a cure is not just about fundraising — it’s about hope, action and making a real difference.”

LaBrier’s team has a fundraising goal of $200,000 for the Student Visionaries of the Year campaign, which ends March 22. To make a donation or to find out more about LLS or the campaign, visit events.lls.org/md/svoymd25/blabrier.