Sixth Grader Mia Smith “Makes Cents” out of Breast Cancer

Campaign celebrates “Pink Out Day” with help from Gloria Gaynor

On Friday October 14, Mia Smith, a sixth grader from Long Island, NY celebrated her second annual “Making Cents out of Breast Cancer” campaign culminating in a celebratory “Pink Out Day” in support of BCRF.

In 2015, Mia was inspired to create the campaign after her mother Lisa overcame breast cancer diagnosis. The school-wide campaign launched in October with a call for loose change from all of the students. With coin collection boxes in each homeroom, the community raised $3,500 to support the research and awareness that was inspired by her mother’s story. By the end of the campaign the donation was generously matched by a family friend, Grammy award winner Gloria Gaynor, bringing the total donation to $7000.

This year, to celebrate the support and allegiance Mia has demonstrated to finding a cure, Gaynor performed her famous song “I Will Survive” for the students.

The student assembly – all dressed in pink– stood to dance and clap along to the song after Gaynor’s moving address in which she delivered the message that “overcoming adversity” is a possible goal and one we should all be striving for.

During the assembly, Mia addressed her peers, thanking them for participating in her fundraiser, and telling them how much their support means to her and her family.

“I want to help make everybody who is diagnosed with this disease be a survivor like my mom,” said Mia.

After the assembly, Mia’s mom commented, “While I am so very proud of my daughter and so touched.  I am most proud that she is so passionate in helping others overcome breast cancer and is determined to find a cure.”

Mia’s “Making Cents out of Breast Cancer” campaign will continue through the end of October and will culminate with an exclusive raffle item: tickets that were generously donated by Billy Joel to his upcoming concert at Madison Square Garden in NYC.

To support Mia Smith’s “Making Cents out of Breast Cancer” campaign, click here.