Sedona Norton is discovering that leadership can be driven by compassion, perseverance and a strong desire to help others. Norton is currently serving as a team member in the 2026 Las Vegas Student Visionaries of the Year campaign for Blood Cancer United, a seven-week leadership and fundraising initiative focused on supporting blood cancer patients and advancing research toward a cure. Through her involvement, Norton is working to raise both funds and awareness while demonstrating how local students can make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer.
The Student Visionaries of the Year campaign runs from January 16 through March 7 and brings together student leaders from across the Las Vegas region to raise money for Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Norton is part of a team called “Prepare to Care,” which has set a fundraising goal of $50,000. The funds raised support Blood Cancer United’s mission to create a world without blood cancers while improving the quality of life for patients and their families.
For Norton, the decision to join the campaign is deeply personal.
“My personal motivation to become a part of the team comes from witnessing people’s battles around me,” Norton said. “My aunt’s cancer began in her tongue, spread to her lymph nodes and eventually developed into lymphoma. Seeing what cancer can do to a body — and watching her overcome it — showed me how strong someone has to be to fight it.”
Although she now speaks confidently about her involvement, Norton admitted she was initially unsure about taking on a project of this size after being invited to participate by a volleyball teammate from WestTech High School in Las Vegas.
“This is a huge project and something I have never done anything like before,” she said. “At first, I was honestly skeptical. But after a couple of meetings and Zoom calls and seeing the efforts of our team organizers, I discovered the deeper meaning of the campaign. It isn’t just to raise money — it’s about not giving up on something so influential.”
Once committed, Norton jumped fully into the outreach process. She personally emailed more than 150 companies, businesses and organizations seeking support. With help from teammates Dahlia Vivanco and Adyson Watkins, she also mailed approximately 60 letters to potential donors.
“The process has been eye-opening,” Norton said. “Navigating the ups and downs and adding this on top of school has been a challenge, but I will always say it is 100 percent worth it.”
Norton and her team are particularly focused on the Patient Support branch of Blood Cancer United’s mission, which provides personalized guidance, educational resources and assistance connecting patients with clinical trials offering access to innovative treatments.
“Our team, Prepare to Care, is especially passionate about patient support,” she explained. “We want patients and families to know they’re not alone, and that there are resources to help them not only survive but thrive after treatment.”
As of now, Norton has raised $1,620 toward her personal goal of $3,000. While she recognizes there is still work ahead, she remains motivated.
“I have a vision for a world without cancer, but I need help,” Norton said. “Yes, fundraising is hard, but it is not as hard as fighting cancer. That perspective keeps me going.”
Norton emphasizes that every donation, regardless of size, helps fund lifesaving research, supports advocacy efforts aimed at improving access to affordable treatment and provides critical services for patients and families.
“You should be proud to know that your support is helping Blood Cancer United continue to make groundbreaking strides in cancer therapies and advocacy,” she said. “With sponsorships, donations or matching gifts, we can make it possible for families globally to live cancer free and watch their loved ones live the life they deserve.”
Community members interested in supporting Norton’s campaign can make tax-deductible donations through her campaign website at https://pages.lls.org/svoy/snv/svoylasvegas26/snorton. Norton also encourages supporters to check whether their employers offer matching gift programs to maximize their impact.
“Please consider joining this fight,” Norton said. “Keep in mind the patients you can give hope and wellness to. Every bit truly counts.”
