Student Spotlight: Meet Kaitlin!

Every SMAC chapter is powered by students whose compassion and determination bring the organization’s mission to life. One of those students is Kaitlin from Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark, New Jersey, whose personal experiences have shaped the way she shows up for others and for her community.

Living with a rare health condition that affects her every day has given Kaitlin a unique perspective on what it means to face challenges with resilience. That perspective has fueled her commitment to SMAC, where she has helped organize fundraisers, promote events, and inspire more students at ALJ to get involved.

We recently asked Kaitlin to share a little about why SMAC matters to her, what she’s learned through her leadership, and the ideas she hopes to bring to her chapter in the future.

Why did you get involved with SMAC at ALJHS?

I became involved in SMAC because I live with a rare disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth, which affects my nerves and muscles and impacts me every day. While my journey is different, I can relate to people who are living with cancer because I understand what it feels like to face health challenges that others can’t always see, to push through hard days, and to find strength in the middle of something difficult.

How has SMAC been part of your high school experience?

Being part of SMAC has been one of the most meaningful parts of high school for me. It’s more than just a club—it’s a chance to work with others, raise awareness, and help people who are going through really hard times. Through SMAC, I’ve learned how to take initiative, speak up, and help plan events.

At my school, I’ve helped organize fundraisers, worked on social media to promote events, and helped get more students involved. One of my favorite events was our Relay for Life. It was fun, emotional, and really brought everyone together, and it reminded me why we do what we do.

What are your ideas or goals for your chapter moving forward?

I’d love to bring some new ideas to keep things fresh and exciting. One idea I’m really excited about is organizing a Glow Run to raise money and get more people involved. I also think we could use social media even more to share stories and updates so people really understand the impact we’re making. I’m excited to keep growing with SMAC and hopefully make an even bigger difference.

Students like Kaitlin drive our movement forward!

Want to support the hard work of ALJ SMAC? Get in touch: aljhs@supportsmac.org