Members of the Middle School Surgical Advocacy Network Club recently came together to support their friend and club leader Isabella ’30, as she shared her story at the No Laughing Matter Gala, an annual event benefiting pediatric brain and spinal tumor research through Weill Cornell Medicine. 

After being diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma, a benign tumor on her spine, Isabella underwent surgery and turned her experience into action by starting the club to raise awareness among her peers. “I want to inform people ,” Isabella shared. “In my case, I’m lucky my tumor was noncancerous, but for others, the journey can be more complex. It’s a serious topic, but we can make learning about it fun.”

This year marked the first time Isabella felt ready to speak publicly about her journey. Since then, she has begun working with Weill Cornell on teen advocacy efforts, is helping launch a research foundation, and is co-authoring a book with her mom. 

Club members proudly stood beside her at the gala, showing the true meaning of sisterhood. “We joined the club because we wanted to support our friend and learn more about the topic,” shared one member. Another added, “Being there for Isabella remind us how important it is to lift each other up through tough times.” 

Following the event, the club presented their experience at Morning Meeting, sharing what they learned about the gala and its mission with the entire Middle School community. They also held a Blue Spirit Day on Monday to support research on spinal and brain tumors. Continuing their commitment to advocacy and awareness. 

Together, the group demonstrated how compassion, courage, and community can turn personal challenges into powerful advocacy, proving that when students support one another, their voices truly make an impact.