At The Maurer Foundation, we are always inspired when students take the lead in bringing breast health education to their peers, and that’s exactly what happened at John F. Kennedy High School thanks to two dedicated juniors, Hannah Yoselowitz and Madeline Weiner.
Through their Leadership II class, Hannah and Maddie launched a student-driven initiative focused on breast cancer awareness and early detection education. As part of their project, they worked to ensure their classmates had access to accurate health information and partnered with our Maurer Foundation team to make that goal a reality.
With guidance and support from their leadership teacher, Brad Seidman, the students coordinated to bring Maurer Foundation educators into the school. The connection, made possible through Michelle Schaefer, a Hematology and Medical Oncology Nurse Practitioner at Mount Sinai South Nassau and Jamie LaMarca, an Oncology Social Worker at Mount Sinai Cancer Center, helped turn their idea into a fully realized educational program.
Our educators delivered breast health workshops to JFK students, creating a supportive environment where young people could learn about early detection, risk reduction, and healthy lifestyle choices. The sessions encouraged open conversation and helped normalize learning about breast health at an early age, a core part of our mission.
Hannah and Maddie were involved throughout the planning and coordination process, demonstrating what youth leadership looks like when paired with purpose and persistence. Their efforts helped expand access to health education and reinforced the power of peer-driven advocacy.
Student-led partnerships like this are a powerful reminder that education is most impactful when communities work together. We are grateful to Hannah and Maddie, Mr. Seidman, Michelle Schaefer, and Jamie LaMarca for helping bring this program to life and for their shared commitment to empowering the next generation with lifesaving knowledge.