Senior MacKenzie Demmel runs a successful CAS fundraiser

Niwot senior MacKenzie Demmel seems pleased to have participated in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and her advice to those considering the program is to just try it. "I know that IB might seem daunting, but it really is the best path you can choose," she said. "It forces you to have a very involved and active high school experience, and you'll be surprised by how much you can accomplish when you have things like CAS [creativity, action, service] to push you."

CAS adds a unique aspect to the academic rigors of the IB program. In an effort to inspire students to widen their world view, students must combine the tenets of creativity, action and service into various projects that contribute to the community.

Demmel also encourages students thinking about CAS to pick something that inspires passion. For her, that meant organizing a race for the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS). She was inspired by her aunt, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018. Her aunt had created a fundraiser, which is still ongoing, and with this as an example, Demmel found her project.

NBTS seeks to "[invest] in, [mobilize], and unite our community to discover a cure, deliver effective treatments, and advocate for patients and care partners," according to its mission statement.

In the United State, there are an estimated 700,000 people living with a tumor today; and it's estimated that another 85,000 will be diagnosed by the end of 2021. While approximately 70% of all brain tumors are benign, it can still be quite concerning for patients and their families.

From the very beginning of CAS, Demmel took notes about her dream race and how to accomplish it. She scheduled it to fall on Halloween, and due to COVID, had participants from across the nation--even as far as Florida. But it wasn't the easiest process.

"I had a website that kept track of the funds, and the first weeks went by with only one donation." Demmel had relied on St. Vrain Valley schools' athletic departments to publicize the event initially.

Soon enough, especially after advertising the race on Facebook, her family, friends and numerous others signed up. Toward the end of the project, she ended up raising hundreds of dollars daily. Additionally, Demmel hopes that the race will become an annual tradition.

Demmel's race-fundraiser was "amazing," and not just because of the money she was able to raise for her chosen foundation, but also because of seeing all the people participating. Demmel even ran the race herself around Niwot, saying that race-day was her favorite part. "Everyone sent in pictures of their costumes, which was fun to see... it was very funny to see my parents run around in onesies while track was practicing."

In addition to having the fundraiser to support the NBTS, participants competed in a costume contest. The fastest participant and costume contest winners were recognized on the race's Facebook page. The Facebook page is filled with photos from participants, with encouraging comments. Demmel also used it to announce that they collectively raised $3,779 for NBTS.

To contribute to Demmel's aunt's ongoing fundraiser, it can be found here.

For more information about the National Brain Tumor Society, visit www.braintumor.org