Making a Difference: Two Holly Springs Teens Have a Big Impact on Giving Back

By Christian Warren Freed

Every year we are bombarded with commercials asking for $11 dollars a day, mail asking for some amount for this, that, and everything in between. In the Army we were encouraged to donate each year to the Army Emergency Relief Campaign as well as a full catalog of other options. While it can be easy to become inundated and callous to these requests (except for those poor animal rescue commercials with the sad music—you know what I’m talking about!) we should always take a moment to think of others, their plights and the various causes seeking help. 

There is no greater feeling than being able to give back, to help those in need, and to know you have done your part not only for the community, but as a human being. For Lauren Robertson and Tayten Stocks, giving back comes naturally. These Holly Springs high schoolers have discovered the fundamental goodness in being part of a commitment larger than themselves.

They are the only two in our area who have been selected to work with the St. Jude Leadership Society. With most of the other students residing in the Charlotte area, having two in our area not only spreads the reach of St. Jude’s, it also paves the way for others to participate. 

For those who don’t know, St. Jude’s is a leader in the fight against childhood cancer. The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.

These outstanding teens went through a rigorous application process. From initial interviews, detailed applications, references, and more, you’d think they were applying for a job. For Lauren and Tayten, the hard part is just beginning. Aside from attending leadership conferences in Charlotte, they have been given the task of raising $2,500 for St. Jude’s by May 1 before heading off to Memphis in July for a national conference. Along the way they will get to meet some of the remarkable children they are helping as well as other selected student leaders from around the country. 

So who are these amazing young Holly Springs residents? Let’s find out. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Lauren Robertson and Tayten Stocks.

SL: Where did this sense of giving back come from?

LR: I learned service to my country from my parents; both of them served in the Army. I’ve been taught through my lifetime that giving back can help you become a good person, and because it is the right thing to do. Sometimes some people just need help, whether it’s paying for food or crossing the street, it’s the right thing to do to go help that person. Our family started “Skeletons for St. Jude” after our home was aired on ABC11 for its Halloween display. We decided to do this because with the popularity of being on the news, we figured we could use that popularity to get people to donate to St. Jude, the nonprofit our family has donated to for years. This is how I started to enjoy the idea of creating fundraisers to help others.

TS: My grandfather and grandmother have always donated to the Shriners Hospital for Children and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. My grandfather was a Potentate for the Shriners and helped raise money for the hospitals. My mother is always telling me to be grateful for everything we have and to help those in need. 

SL: Why St Jude’s? Any special connection or does this just resonate with you?

LR: I chose St. Jude’s because of my family. We have been donating and supporting them for years, including our annual “Skeletons for St. Jude” which was featured on ABC11. It resonates with me because I have learned how important donations are to help raise money to pay for St. Jude families’ medical bills and money for research for a cure for cancer. I have felt really good about this fundraiser and how we have helped others. I am part of St. Jude’s Leadership Society, which will develop my leadership abilities. It helps me improve my shortcomings and also helps me create or find my strengths.

TS: My grandparents have always donated to St. Jude, and my family has donated to St. Jude for over 10 years since my neighbor and friend was diagnosed with cancer as a toddler. 

SL: If you could share one message with the community what would that be?

LR: If I could share one message with the community, it would be that if they could, donate, so no child ever has to deal with cancer again. I would also tell people that the dollar figure does not matter because every penny counts. If people can’t afford to donate, I would ask if they could just find a way to give back to their community, even in the smallest way.

TS: One person can have a positive impact on so many lives. I am trying to raise $2,500 for St. Jude and this will help so many sick children. Before the first meeting of the St. Jude Leadership Society, I watched a virtual tour of the hospital and the two main things I remember is that the childhood cancer survival rate was just a little over 20% when the hospital opened in 1962. The survival rate is now over 80%. And over 80 cents of every dollar donated goes to support the treatment and research at St. Jude hospital. 

SL: Tell us a little bit about you. Who you are, what you hope to accomplish with this, what you want to be after school?

LR: I am a hard worker who loves to play piano and soccer. I also love to find fun activities that I can do with my friends. With this, I want to accomplish people hearing about this fundraiser and finding a way to help. I have not yet chosen what I want to be after school, but I am interested in the medical field. 

TS: I am a freshman at the Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy. Leadership in the classroom and outside of school is one of the main themes of my school. I hope to be a part of the St. Jude Leadership Society for all four years of high school. I hope this program will help me learn more about leadership and help me develop leadership skills to help me create and run my own company one day. I would like a career in Engineering. I love sports and I play soccer and baseball. 

There you have it, friends. Two great young leaders who are ensuring that all will be in good hands with the future. These impressive teenagers are a shining example of what it means to be part of a community. They are compassionate people and show unlimited potential in changing the course of tomorrow.

If this has moved you in any way, Lauren and Tayten were kind enough to provide links for donations. 

Lauren’s fundraising link to her fundraising page with St. Jude: http://events.stjude.org/LaurenSJLS

Tayten’s fundraising page: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/TAEvents/Events?px=7337564&pg=personal&fr_id=135886&copy_link_share