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Alumni Ignite Remarkable Growth in the Fight Against Cancer
Alumni Raise Thousands for Local Families Impacted by Cancer
by Melissa Powell
In early 2022, Maxwell Cusnier embarked on a journey to raise an ambitious $20,000 for local families battling blood cancers. Fast forward to last November when Cusnier and his team of FSU students shattered all expectations, announcing a grand total of more than $130,000 raised.
Under the leadership of Cusnier, a Spring 2023 exercise physiology graduate, and with the unwavering support of his executive team, the FSU and Tallahassee community raised more than six times their initial target.
The funds benefited The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) national Light the Night initiative where a months-long fundraising effort culminates in a grand event. The Tallahassee chapter’s event took place on Landis Green. Survivors and local families share their stories. Walkers carry illuminated lanterns, symbolically lighting the dark world of cancer. Supporters carry red lanterns. Survivors carry white; and those honoring the memory of a loved one carry gold.
Cusnier’s lantern was gold.
“One of my closest friends had his mother pass away from cancer,” said Cusiner, who served as chapter president leading up to his recent graduation. “I’ll never forget how I felt at the funeral processions, seeing him and his family members struggling through such a tough time, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, nonetheless. I told myself I didn’t want to feel that pain ever again for a friend, family member, or anyone. I really wanted to revive this organization.”
The Tallahassee chapter was newly kickstarted after a years-long hiatus. The executive committee alone, including Cusnier and fellow CEHHS alumnus Connor Roshinski, raised nearly $12,000.
“Seeing our hard work and dedication pay off both at the event and in our fundraising totals was a tremendous moment,” said Roshinski, who served as vice president of public relations for LLS Tallahassee. “Listening to our survivors speak at the event was emotional, inspiring, and rewarding. All the long meetings, late-night phone calls, and continuous fundraising was worth every moment.”
Roshinski also carried a gold lantern at the event, honoring his grandfather. “By channeling my efforts into fundraising, I hoped to honor my grandfather’s legacy and contribute to a brighter future for other families,” he said.
Their efforts earned them the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Transformation Award. The national award is given annually to the region with the highest percentage growth in funds raised within a single year. With the award, the Tallahassee chapter is one of the first volunteer-led chapters to receive funding support from the LLS.
“The biggest thing for me was just helping families realize they’re not alone,” said Cusnier.
According to LLS Campaign Development Manager Lee Scott, the chapter’s nation-leading growth impacted the fight against blood cancer in numerous ways. “The increased funding provided the capability to assist more families who are currently battling these diseases in the North Florida community,” Scott said.
The funds also help further research into cures and treatments, which will have a worldwide impact, he added. “LLS and the families that are a part of our organization could not be more thankful and proud of the students at FSU.”
Cusnier emphasized the importance of each executive team member’s role in the fundraising effort. “Every individual piece and contribution was vital. We truly shared the same vision and followed that for seven, eight months, and we wouldn’t have been able to do what we did without everyone doing their part.” The buy-in from the university community, particularly fraternity and sorority life, was especially impactful, he notes.
“The hardest part was building momentum and getting everyone on board,” he said. “At a big university, it’s natural for separation to occur and people tend to fall into smaller cliques. To have something where so many people came together for a common cause was truly a blessing and I’m so proud of it.”
Reflecting on the transformative experience, Cusnier said, “We all grew so much together. The people I met and the relationships I formed with the executive committee were a highlight for me. We truly rebuilt it from the ground up, and to see what we’re capable of is insanely rewarding.” Student leaders and participants shared with Cusnier how the experience helped develop skills in public speaking, confidence, teamwork and communication, all while making a profound impact on local families.
Cusnier and Roshinski’s future plans are equally inspiring as the pair of recent exercise physiology alumni aspire to pursue careers in medicine. They hope to leverage the connections and perspectives gained through Light the Night to provide compassionate care to future patients.
“I really grew to understand that people have different perspectives and very different experiences in their lives,” Cusnier said. “It helped me realize that it’s important to look at every patient individually.”
Looking ahead, the Tallahassee chapter of Light the Night is determined to continue its growth and impact. With a solid foundation in place and a network of supporters eager to contribute, Cusnier hopes to see fundraising goals shattered for years to come.
The 2023 Light the Night event is slated for Tuesday, November 7, 2023, on Landis Green. FSU student and biology major Julia Rezende has taken over as chapter president.
