Victoria Giardina is a senior at Manalapan High School. She holds several leadership titles in her school and closely works with cancer advocacy and research as ambassadors for the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association and was recognized by the CEO of the American Cancer Society Dr. John R. Seffrin as one of the organization's most dedicated volunteers.
After hearing that her grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer, Victoria knew she could make a difference, one person at a time. Aside from managing fundraisers and events, Victoria works with cancer research firsthand as a lead researcher for the National Cancer Institute. She led the American Childhood Cancer Organization to gain representation from the New Jersey State Legislature to provide more funding for pediatric cancer. Becoming actively involved in school and community organizations led to the creation of her own set of leadership workshops, "Future Speakers Society" integrating a new platform to instill the ethics of leadership and confidence to all ages. Victoria has presented these workshops to national business organizations like Future Business Leaders of America and educational institutions to children. Victoria is dedicated in educational leadership efforts and was granted the opportunity to study at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government under the instruction of Professor Thomas Patterson within the American Government program. She was selected to be an active member on the Principal's Leadership Council this year to continue implementing academia on a county level. As a passionate advocate for cancer research, leadership, education, and politics, Victoria plans on earning bachelors degrees in broadcast journalism and political science to integrate into the corporate media industry. Visit Step Up Magazine to view articles and editorials that Victoria has contributed as a freelance journalist. |
Kick It Cancer focuses its mission on raising money for cancer research globally, and to defeat this devastating battle. It is heartbreaking to hear that several people, including children, have to experience such an illness. Kick It Cancer's goal is to promote cancer research, while enabling others to have a voice in their community. Leadership, confidence, and funding for cancer research is imperative, and we can make this world a stronger and better place with a collective effort to be a part of the solution.
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Cancer facts and information
- Cancer is a group of diseases that is categorized by the growth of abnormal cells that spreads throughout the body.
- Cancer is caused by internal factors such as hormones and immune conditions, as well as external conditions such as tobacco intake and alcohol use.
- External conditions that cause cancer can be prevented if the triggered actions are not utilized in the human body (smoking, tobacco, etc.)
- In 2009, 68% of people who battled cancer resulted in being cancer-free.
- 1 in 285 children will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20.
- The predominant types of cancer in adolescents (0-19) are leukemia (26%), cancers of the brain and central nervous system (18%), and lymphoma (14%). (Cancer.org 25).
- The types of cancers differentiate from child to adult, and certain types of cancers, such as lung cancer, are not as common in children than adults.
