During a recent Round Rock Independent School District (ISD) board meeting, students from the Team Brock Junior Committee passionately advocated for the recognition of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The committee, comprised of middle and high school students, aims to raise awareness and support for children battling cancer, a cause that has deeply affected many in the community.

Meghna Nandagam, a junior at Cedar Ridge High School, opened the public comments by sharing her personal experiences with Team Brock and the impact it has had on students and staff at her school. She emphasized the importance of kindness and community support for children facing cancer, urging the board to pass a resolution that would officially recognize September as a month dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer.

Following Nandagam, fellow committee members Emma Reese Hurdle, Giselle Cantu, Andrew Collins, and Daniel Howard each shared their personal connections to the cause, highlighting the emotional toll of pediatric cancer on families and communities. Cantu, who lost her brother's best friend, Brock, to brain cancer, expressed the need for greater visibility and support for childhood cancer warriors. Collins, who manages Goldout games across schools, spoke about the importance of community involvement in fighting pediatric cancer.

The students collectively noted that while the five-year survival rate for childhood cancer has improved significantly, many survivors face long-term health issues due to their treatments. They called for the board's support in promoting awareness and solidarity through school events, such as Goldout games, which have successfully raised funds for cancer research in the past.

The board's response to the students' heartfelt pleas remains to be seen, but the commitment to recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month could position Round Rock ISD as a leader in advocating for pediatric cancer awareness in the region. The students' initiative not only aims to honor those affected by cancer but also seeks to empower their peers to take action and support their community.