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Like many Americans, Brianna LaGuardia and her family, of Point Pleasant Beach, have been affected by cancer. As a young girl, Brianna experienced the death of her grandfather to the disease. She had been exposed to cancer’s wrath at a young age and its overwhelming power stuck with her and resonated in her heart. As a sophomore in high school, she also lost her much-loved aunt. One day, Brianna decided to change her destiny with cancer by willfully taking action against it through helping those who are suffering and spreading awareness. Brianna’s efforts began in the hub of education and awareness — her school. THE ONSET OF SMAC In 2014, Brianna created the Student Movement Against Cancer [SMAC] club at Point Pleasant Beach High School in an effort to help those suffering from or who have family members suffering from the disease. However, the journey was not a smooth ride all along. “My original goal went awry,” Brianna said, on starting the club. Brianna’s initial focus was to help local families suffering from cancer. She also wanted to be a comforting, familiar face to those facing these hard times. Amid a brainstorming session, she pondered, “how can we make meals for them, donate for them, etc.” Due to HIPPA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act] laws regarding privacy, however, Brianna hit a road block in her initial plan. “It was a little crazy for me but I said, ‘OK, how can I reroute this; I’m not giving up on the idea, I’m still going for it,’” she said. Brianna subsequently directed her efforts toward making a difference in the lives of others while reaching families despite difficulties devising a plan that would be approved. After approaching the school principal, Brianna was granted approval to start the club, so long as she could find a teacher advisor. Brianna, who was then a junior in high school, approached history teacher Mike McGee, who said he would help her in any way he could. Cancer has affected Mr. McGee’s family as well, as his father lost his battle to cancer, he said. When he was asked to be the club moderator, he said, “It was a no-brainer for me because it hits home; but more importantly because it’s something Bri believes in.” Mr. McGee, who has had Brianna in class since freshman year, said one word to describe her is “selfless.” He also said her family suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy, but that one would never know it because she was out helping others and never once mentioned herself. “You never heard a word about what Bri needed, but you always heard about what she was doing for others,” he said. “She’s just a special kind of kid.” Brianna is also involved as president of Key Club, as an officer of Interact Club, as a peer leader and as the secretary of student council. According to Brianna, many other clubs at PPBHS assist cancer patients in efforts such as the Breast Cancer Walk, but there was not one specifically devoted to cancer at the time she had the desire to do so. “Yes we raise money and yes we raise awareness, but it’s not all about the money,” she said. “I wanted this to be more about a club where you actually go and make a difference.” For example, the club volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House, Long Branch, at least once a month. The club members are also involved with St. Jude’s Research Hospital, the Make A Wish Foundation and Relay For Life. Brianna said she feels that engaging the members in a hands-on approach allows them to really see the difference they’re making. She said sometimes donating money leaves one wondering where it’s going and who it goes to, and that she was trying to avoid this notion completely. Brianna originally envisioned the club consisting of students who were willing to help, come when they could, and understand that it would be a laid back gathering for a good cause — but what she received in return was more. “I ended up with a group of really devoted kids,” she said. “It make’s a difference that they’re so enthusiastic, that’s all that matters to me. I don’t want them to do it for hours for their transcript — it’s not that type of club.” Brianna attributes “the cause itself — cancer,” as being “the reason people jump up.” The first meeting saw around 30 students, which is “huge” for a small school, she said. Currently, there are about 60 members and 25 core participants. The club meets weekly, during the students’ free time after school. During the meetings, Brianna opens the floor to everyone and anyone willing to share their ideas, as she says they are the ones who make it possible. “It’s really important to have their input,” she said. Courtney Jacobs, a sophomore and club member, said the club is very rewarding. “You can really see the difference you make individually,” Courtney said. Brianna engages in various voluntary efforts for both cancer patients and also for the students. Mr. McGee said, “It’s an exciting group to be a part of.” The club will be hosting their biggest event to date next month, a Mini-THON, to benefit the Four Diamonds Fund. Last month, the club hosted an assembly at school for the students that featured a guest speaker from the Four Diamonds Fund who provided valuable information on the organization’s cause, pediatric cancer. Brianna said as long as the students know, she is happy. Spreading awareness of pediatric cancer is an additional goal of hers. Brianna said all of the proceeds from the event will go toward families with children who have cancer and directly toward items insurance does not cover. Marielle Ravally, a senior at Point Pleasant Beach High School, came to Brianna with the idea to host a Mini- THON — an overnight dance marathon in the same vein as the well-known THON fundraiser hosted annually by Penn State University students. Marielle said a lot of other clubs are not as hands-on as SMAC, and that “to be able to get hands-on experience and see what we do to help others gives you a new outlook on things, that other clubs and organizations don’t afford you.” Marielle also said Brianna’s “ability to juggle things is amazing.” “Everything she does, she puts her all into it, which is a special skill that not a lot of people are able to do — it’s inspiring,” she added. MINI-THON EVENT The Mini-THON is a seven-hour dance marathon that will be held on April 24 at the high school and is open to those from neighboring towns. It will begin at 4 p.m. for all elementary school students and it will start at 7 p.m. for all the high school students. Brianna said she is excited to spread pediatric cancer- awareness not only to high- schoolers but also to children of a younger age. Sophomore club member Emily Birdsong said, “We worked so hard for this, we really hope we can pull it off because it’s a really great cause.” Students are allowed to create teams and t-shirts for their teams, as there will be contests and prizes. The night will consist of ping pong tournaments, basketball tournaments, yoga, Zumba, tug of war and much more. Activities will differ slightly for the elementary school students as there will also be face painting, a temporary tattoo station and hula hoop activities. The registration fee is $30 and a spectator fee of $10 for those who wish to watch and see what Mini-THON is about. To register and donate online visit fourdiamonds.donordrive.co m/index.cfm?fuseaction=don orDrive.event&eventID=985. All proceeds go toward the Four Diamonds Fund. FUTURE OF SMAC The future of the club remains in the hands of the younger students, as Brianna will soon graduate and head to college. “My only hope is it will last for years after I’m gone,” she said. Brianna also said younger club members have reached out to her and asked what her plans are for the future of the club. Mackenzie Kinnevy, a junior club member, said she hopes to keep the club alive. “I really want to make a difference; help people and their families and carry this on for Bri,” Mackenzie said. Mr. McGee said there are students from all grade levels in the club and that the future of the club is bright — and that’s a testament to Brianna. “We’re going to miss her quite a bit,” he said. Brianna said her involve- ment in various clubs and leadership roles has shaped who she is and will be an as- set in her future endeavors as a student at Bryant Universi- ty, Rhode Island, where she plans to study social entre- preneurship. PAIGE TAYLOR THE OCEAN STAR Brianna LaGuardia reviewed her initial plans and goals for the Student Movement Against Cancer Club. POINT PLEASANT BEACH’S BRIANNA LAGUARDIA or some, volunteering and giving back to others can be understood as auxiliary functions of life. But for others, such as a special senior at Point Pleasant Beach High School, these efforts are not only an interest and value, but also a talent when combined with an entrepreneurial spirit. BY PAIGE TAYLOR THE OCEAN STAR F MACKENZIE KINNEVY Junior, Point Pleasant Beach High School MIKE MCGEE Teacher, Point Pleasant Beach High School MARIELLE RAVALLYSenior, Point Pleasant Beach High School Student reaches above & beyond to raise awareness “You never heard one word about what [Brianna] needed, but always about what she was doing for others.” “I really want to make a difference; help people and their families and carry this on for Bri.” “Everything she does she puts her all into, which is a special skill that not a lot of people are able to do.” COURTESY OF BRIANNA LAGUARDIA The SMAC club, led by teacher/moderator, Mike McGee, will continue to grow and prosper in the school and community. The Ocean Star PAGE 21 PEOPLE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015 OBITUARIES 24 HOUSES OF WORSHIP 24 LETTERS 22 STREET BEAT 27
