November 5, 2009

(Reprinted from The Mayor's Committee for a Cleaner and More Beautiful Green Bay website)

Green Bay Civic Service Award Presented to Sting Cancer Group

Five years ago, Preble High School faculty member and brain cancer survivor Nick Nesvacil … along with several students and staff … organized a group with a mission of raising cancer awareness and helping families affected by cancer in the Preble area. With the Preble Hornet mascot in mind, they appropriately named the group Sting Cancer.

Through its fundraising efforts, Sting Cancer students, now numbered 250 strong, take a bite out of the cancer sting through a variety of activities. Fall and winter bring opportunities to rake leaves or shovel snow. The group also provides gift baskets, cards of hope, and gas cards, easing the burden of cancer patients getting to and from treatment centers. And they’ve also shown support to fellow students who have cancer by shaving their heads and raising money for childhood cancer research. In addition to fundraisers, Sting Cancer educates classmates through monthly cancer awareness activities and speakers.

And their activities aren’t solely focused on their own group. Sting Cancer is actively involved with organizations, including the Breast Cancer Family Foundation, Relay for Life, Families of Children with Cancer, and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Each May, the group promotes “Wear Yellow Day,” with a hope of spreading this cancer promotion event statewide or even making it a national event.

An idea borne five years ago has already grown beyond its original mission, with a goal of establishing a Sting Cancer group in every high school. This “Sting it Forward” idea seems to be working as groups have begun at Notre Dame, Green Bay East, and East De Pere High Schools, with inquiries from other area high schools and middle schools.

And while this group doesn’t seek attention, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Sting Cancer has already been honored with St. Vincent Hospital’s Young Philanthropist Award and the Brown County Volunteer Award. It’s a great day in Green Bay when we can take the time and recognize a group of teenagers who are truly making a difference in the world.