Photo courtesy of LLS.
Lake Highlands High Senior Class President Lauren Goin proves that old rule that if you want things done, you should find a busy person to do them. Goin, who distributed handmade bracelets to young hospital patients in 2022 and was nominated last year for a national award through her National Charity League chapter, is one of 20 high school students in Dallas County serving as a team leader in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries of the Year campaign. She’s participating in their seven-week leadership development program to raise money and awareness to help blood cancer patients survive and thrive after treatment.
Goin has recruited a 16-member student team, including young men and women from LHHS, Bishop Lynch and Dallas Lutheran high schools. They’re hosting a one-day music festival called Hope Healing Cancer with a lofty goal — creating a world without blood cancers — and they’re convinced they can do it.
“My Hope Healing Cancer team and I are passionate about raising awareness and fundraising for LLS research,” says Goin. “I personally know too many people affected by blood cancers — fellow students, teachers and neighbors. I’ve learned that by starting with helping people in my community, I can make a difference. And the impact I make goes well beyond my neighborhood. Every little bit helps, and I want to do my part. The ripple effect is real.”
Goin’s friend Aubrey walks around the halls of Richardson High School much like any other student – participating in Girl Scouts and dancing on the drill team. Some fellow students don’t realize she fought a childhood battle with leukemia.
“I am so inspired by Aubrey, her strength and her bravery during her journey,” says Goin. “She goes to the same high school as my twin sister, Olivia. I feel like helping friends, teachers and neighbors is just the beginning of what each of us can do.”
The Hope Healing Cancer music festival will be held Sunday, Jan. 28 at the Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville Avenue. Bands will perform from noon to 6 p.m., and doors will open at 11 a.m. A silent auction, full bar and concessions will be available, and attendees of all ages will be welcome.
Bands booked so far include The Paper Bears, products of East Dallas and Booker T. Washington School for the Visual and Performing Arts, Flamingo Tree, known for their original music and alternative rock, Altercations, which just put out their first record, Bandolero, known to play favorite jam classics by the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers and Panic! at the Disco, and Goin’s sister’s band, Kobra, which recently played Sundown at the Granada and Poor David’s Pub.
Goin’s team includes Luke Zicarelli (Dallas Lutheran), Lily Heath (Dallas Lutheran), Olivia Etri (LHHS), Katie Moon (LHHS), Aubrey Joy Shelton (LHHS), Haley Pokorski (LHHS), Campbell Eliott (LHHS), Maddox Morris (LHHS), Lily Hocker (LHHS), Audrey Reed (Bishop Lynch), Abby Dunson (LHHS), Kingsley Fifer (LHHS), Sam Shaw (LHHS), Dylan Teague (LHHS), Dylan Dubuclet (LHHS) and Logan Strayhan (LHHS).
“We cannot do any of this without your help,” says Goin. “My campaign will provide support to the critical work of LLS in hopes that one day no one will have to grow up without the ones they love. I know that with your help, we can reach our goal and make a direct impact in the fight against blood cancers.”
Tickets are available online here, and donations may be made here. Proceeds will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Photo courtesy of Lauren Goin.
