Teen hopes to “Shred Kids’ Cancer”

Rami Amaro

• Fifteen year old Teagan Stedman has hopes of becoming a scientist. He’s studying part time at Brown University this summer after having his research project for improved cancer drug delivery spotlighted at TEDx Teen in May. Stedman dreams of a future where cancer is as treatable as a headache.

• The teens desire to help others came at a time where he felt completely helpless: his friend was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when Stedman was 8 years old. In 2009, Stedman became the founder and CEO of a non-profit organization dedicated to helping kids support pediatric cancer research, raise awareness, and create a peer community.

• Shred Kids’ Cancer was founded by a kid, is made up of kids, and is dedicated to helping kids. And since it’s inception, the charity has raised over $300,000 for pediatric cancer research and their “Shredheads,” the nickname given to someone the group rallies behind and supports throughout his or her battle with cancer.

• At first, the organization simply held an annual signature event, Shredfest. Spotlighting young musicians, the event attracted celebrity judges and lots of positive press. A chance meeting between Stedman and Guns ‘N Roses guitar legend “Slash” in a mall lead the rockstar to sign on as a guest performer, battling other artists to raise money for cancer.

• The organization has grown to include a slew of youth-centric activities and events to attract kids of all kinds. “We’ve held bone marrow drives, an awareness campaign called Be Bold, Be Bald, where people basically wear a bald cap for a day to show solidarity for kids with cancer. We’ve been holding a 5K/10K Kids Fun Run,” explains Stedman of the organization’s expansion.

• The expansion also helps Shredheads’ dreams come true. Eleven year old Kaitlin Lehman, rhabdomyosarcoma (a rare form of musculoskeletal cancer) survivor, was at the receiving end of a very special surprise from the organization: a walk down the red carpet with two of her favorite celebrities, Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort.

• It’s truly incredible what can be done with the right amount of passion, drive, determination, and desire to help others. As Stedman has shown, magic can be created by anyone, at any age.