The Year in Review: 2024-2025
- SMAC
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Our mission is to empower, encourage, and inspire the generation that ends cancer.
The 2024–2025 school year was a GREAT one for the SMAC network! With bold new initiatives, record-breaking student engagement, and powerful community impact, our 17 chapters continue to lead the charge in the fight against cancer. We are constantly inspired by the passion, creativity, and determination of our student leaders—and we’re thrilled to spotlight the incredible work they’ve accomplished this year.
SMAC's Impact
Here is a snapshot of how SMAC students made a difference:
730+ students from 17 high schools and colleges across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana participated in SMAC meetings and events. We were excited to welcome 3 new chapters this academic year too: Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, David Brearley High School in Kenilworth, New Jersey, and Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan, New Jersey.
$90,400+ raised for 16 cancer causes:
4,800+ acts of volunteerism, including:
Collected art supplies, games, books, and comfort items for patients receiving care at the Rutgers Cancer Center of New Jersey
Collected gently used shoes that will be sent to developing countries. Funds raised based on the total weight of the shoes were donated to a local cancer organization
Wrote holiday and thank you cards for staff members at Virtua Hospital
Developed poster series and social media campaigns with cancer prevention tips
Movers, Shakers, Change Makers!
On May 10 and 17, SMAC raised over $8,700 for Comfort Project 360 through our third annual signature event, Movers, Shakers, Change Makers! Centered around movement and wellness, these high-energy events brought students together for fun, fitness, and fundraising.
The May 10 event at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, NJ was extra special—it marked the 20th anniversary of the UC SMAC chapter! The celebration included alumni guests, who joined current students in honoring two decades of cancer-fighting leadership. On May 17, All Hallows High School in the Bronx, NY hosted its own impactful event, uniting students for an afternoon of community and cause-driven activity.
Both events featured interactive fitness sessions, friendly competitions, wellness education, and opportunities for SMAC leaders from three schools to connect and collaborate. Each experience was thoughtfully planned by student coordinators and reflected the spirit and creativity of our network.
To amplify their impact, students secured generous sponsorships from Duke's Steakhouse in Metuchen, New Jersey, Tenon Financial, and Underground Utilities Corp, and received donations from more than 20 retailers—making this year’s Movers, Shakers, Change Makers our most dynamic and successful yet!

Supporting our Leaders & Advisors
During the 2024–2025 school year, SMAC’s central organization reaffirmed its commitment to cancer education and leadership development through our SMAC Talk series. Designed to empower student leaders, members, and advisors, the series offered meaningful opportunities to learn about the college admissions process, nonprofit management, fundraising strategies, and the realities of cancer care—all from professionals and organizations deeply rooted in the cancer support community.
This year, we were proud to partner again with fellow nonprofit Kier's Kidz to expand our reach and amplify our impact, creating even more space for learning, growth, and connection across the SMAC network. A special thanks goes to the following individuals and organizations for sharing their time and expertise with our students and advisors:
Alberto Torres of Alberto's Angels
Hyla Weiss and Suzanne Unger of Comfort Project 360
Ryan Campbell of Happiness is Camping
Risa Sang-urai Harms of New York University Office of Admissions
Bunny Flanders of The Valerie Fund
Dr. Jennel Zeppieri of Weill Cornell Medicine
Resource Development Internships
Three exceptional student leaders took on roles as SMAC’s Resource Development Interns in the summer of 2024, dedicating their time, creativity, and drive to projects that will leave a lasting impact on our organization. Working virtually and on flexible schedules, each intern chose a project that aligned with their own passions and strengths. Through regular mentorship meetings with SMAC Executive Director Danielle Delavaux, these student leaders saw their ideas flourish, developing resources that will support SMAC chapters nationwide.

2024-2025 National Student Advisory Board
We are so grateful for the dedicated student representatives who served on our National Student Advisory Board this year. These exceptional leaders carved out time from their busy schedules to attend monthly meetings and serve as vital liaisons between their chapters and our national organization:
Andy C. | Kayla K. | Jaden A. |
Ezequiel F. | Jaladhi D. | Teresa M. |
Giulianna B. | Priscilla S. | Kaitlyn N. |
Ellie M. | Ricki B. | Erin C. |
Olivia D. | Jordana S. | Maia V. |
Chloe M. | Lauren F. |
2025 SMAC National Collegiate Scholar
We were thrilled to honor Nishi Banker (Somerville High School '24) as the 2025 SMAC National Collegiate Scholarship recipient. This award recognizes exceptional college students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and dedication through their involvement in SMAC. It celebrates the impactful contributions of students who have displayed unwavering commitment to the mission and goals of SMAC throughout their time in high school, investing their time, energy, and talents to make a meaningful difference even after graduation.
Nishi’s passion for service and cancer advocacy has been unwavering—from her time at Somerville High School to college and beyond. A longtime SMAC member and former leader with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries of the Year program, she raised over $5,500 through Team Lymfighters and organized impactful community outreach events. Now a student in the 7-Year B.S./D.O. program at NYIT, Nishi continues to lead with purpose—volunteering in the Emergency Department at Plainview Hospital, conducting biomedical research on polycystic kidney disease, and serving as a campus senator for Hands for Leukemia.

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