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SCA Students Named Visionaries of the Year by Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Two St. Cecilia Academy juniors were named 2025 Student Visionaries of the Year by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Alexandra Epstein and Kirsten Tumanda were honored at the Nashville LLS Grand Finale having raised more than $100,000 to fight blood cancers as leaders of St. Cecilia’s Fight for Life Team. This amount was the largest generated by any group in Nashville and across Tennessee.
Epstein and Tumanda were inspired to become involved due to personal experiences. “One of my good family friends had Leukemia,” says Tumanda. “I saw the devastating effects of blood cancer on a loved one, and I wanted to make a difference and support cancer patients in a bigger way.” Epstein continues, “My cousin, Leigh Andra, was living a great life and enjoying being a mom of four children when at 40 years old, she was diagnosed with stage 3 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Thankfully, because of advancements in research and science through LLS, my cousin has been in remission for six years. Our campaign supports the critical work of LLS so that one day no one will have to grow up without the ones they love.”
Each year, high schoolers compete for seven weeks across the country and network within their communities to raise funds to support the LLS mission of research and finding cures. As part of the program, students learn valuable leadership and philanthropic skills, and top earners garner the Student Visionary of the Year title.
Epstein and Tumanda spent months planning and preparing for the seven weeks of designated fundraising, including letters, calls, emails, and meetings with corporate executives. Almost 200 individual donors supported the cause plus Hiller Plumbing, Hunt Brothers Pizza, and Schlotzsky’s Deli in Cool Springs.
“Alle and I have been planning what we wanted to do since last Spring,” says Tumanda. “We expected to raise a few thousand dollars with our families and parents’ connections.” During the summer, the students discussed the amount they wanted to raise. Their ambitions grew from a few thousand dollars to $50,000. To meet their goal, they knew they had to approach fundraising differently. “I sent more than 150 letters, and we had meetings with top-level executives plus a restaurant give-back day,” explains Epstein. “We chose businesses we believed would be receptive to our campaign and were involved with charities,” adds Tumanda. “Many of the owners were ecstatic to participate and to serve our community.” Both were surprised and pleased when they exceeded their goal and raised $100,000.
When asked about the approach and her experience, Epstein remarks, “It was challenging and time-consuming, but I learned so much along the way, especially once you combine passion and persistence, you can go far.” Tumanda discloses, “I felt accomplished, and it felt amazing to contribute to funding blood cancer research and patient outreach and support.”
While they exceeded the goal, both plan to stay involved in the fight against cancer. “I want to continue to be on the Junior Leadership Team for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and help our St. Cecilia team next year,” says Epstein. Tumanda states, “Being a part of LLS is an essential part of the journey to find other cures for cancer, and our next step is to identify the leaders of the 2026 SCA Fight for Life Team.”
Both Epstein and Tumanda graduated from Overbrook Catholic School and are members of St. Henry Catholic Church with their families. Epstein is the daughter of Suzie and Jason Epstein, and Tumanda is the daughter of Cherryl and Rian Tumanda.
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Each year, high schoolers compete for seven weeks across the country and network within their communities to raise funds to support the LLS mission of research and finding cures. As part of the program, students learn valuable leadership and philanthropic skills, and top earners garner the Student Visionary of the Year title.
Epstein and Tumanda spent months planning and preparing for the seven weeks of designated fundraising, including letters, calls, emails, and meetings with corporate executives. Almost 200 individual donors supported the cause plus Hiller Plumbing, Hunt Brothers Pizza, and Schlotzsky’s Deli in Cool Springs.
“Alle and I have been planning what we wanted to do since last Spring,” says Tumanda. “We expected to raise a few thousand dollars with our families and parents’ connections.” During the summer, the students discussed the amount they wanted to raise. Their ambitions grew from a few thousand dollars to $50,000. To meet their goal, they knew they had to approach fundraising differently. “I sent more than 150 letters, and we had meetings with top-level executives plus a restaurant give-back day,” explains Epstein. “We chose businesses we believed would be receptive to our campaign and were involved with charities,” adds Tumanda. “Many of the owners were ecstatic to participate and to serve our community.” Both were surprised and pleased when they exceeded their goal and raised $100,000.
When asked about the approach and her experience, Epstein remarks, “It was challenging and time-consuming, but I learned so much along the way, especially once you combine passion and persistence, you can go far.” Tumanda discloses, “I felt accomplished, and it felt amazing to contribute to funding blood cancer research and patient outreach and support.”
While they exceeded the goal, both plan to stay involved in the fight against cancer. “I want to continue to be on the Junior Leadership Team for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and help our St. Cecilia team next year,” says Epstein. Tumanda states, “Being a part of LLS is an essential part of the journey to find other cures for cancer, and our next step is to identify the leaders of the 2026 SCA Fight for Life Team.”
Both Epstein and Tumanda graduated from Overbrook Catholic School and are members of St. Henry Catholic Church with their families. Epstein is the daughter of Suzie and Jason Epstein, and Tumanda is the daughter of Cherryl and Rian Tumanda.
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