Building Futures at Moffitt, One Relationship at a Time
At Moffitt Cancer Center, the mission to contribute to the health and well-being of the community extends far beyond treating patients. It’s a commitment that also includes nurturing and empowering the next generation. Through various outreach programs, Moffitt strives to provide hope, guidance and support for those who need it most, including teenagers navigating their path to adulthood.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is a shining example of how Moffitt team members can step into the role of a mentor, dedicating their time, sharing their wisdom and offering support to local high school students.
The program is a collaborative effort between the school districts, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay and corporate partners like Moffitt. The aim? To provide one-on-one mentorship for high school juniors and seniors, helping improve graduation rates and prepare teens for life beyond school. Each month, students visit their mentors’ workplaces, gaining valuable post-graduation skills and receiving personalized guidance that can shape their futures.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, our mentors transform lives by offering guidance, support, and care. They help Littles reach their full potential through wisdom, listening, and encouragement. pic.twitter.com/iS6jzXsAwE
— Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay (@BBBS_TampaBay) August 12, 2024
For LaWanda Byrd, director of Volunteer Services at Moffitt, this mission became personal in an unexpected way. “I originally didn’t plan on becoming a mentor,” she recalled. “I was the coordinator of the program, busy with recruiting and administrative tasks. One day, the program coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters reached out. She had a student, Makayla, who she felt would be a great match for me. At first, I was hesitant — I already had a full plate with my job and family. But something told me to give it a try.”
Makayla was matched with Byrd during her junior year in 2017. The early days of their mentorship were challenging. However, the monthly visits to Moffitt became more than just a routine — they became a source of stability and support for Makayla. Byrd didn’t stop at the workplace; she visited Makayla’s school, spoke with her guidance counselors and teachers and even helped her navigate the challenges of college applications. “It’s about more than just showing up once a month,” Byrd emphasized. “You have to be willing to invest more, to be there for your mentee when they need you the most.”
Byrd’s support was exactly what Makayla needed during a challenging time in her life.
“LaWanda helped me with everything, starting from junior year all the way up to now,” Makayla shared. “She helped me get started with college because I knew I wanted to go, but I didn’t know where to start. She helped navigate high school and even when I was stressing about classes like calculus. She was there for me, even though she had so much going on. It’s like she came into my life at the exact moment I needed her.”
Moffitt’s commitment to supporting programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters is part of a broader effort to encourage volunteerism among its employees. For eight years, the cancer center has been a proud partner of the program, offering its team members the unique chance to mentor students during office hours, demonstrating flexibility and support in balancing work responsibilities with the desire to contribute to the community.
“I didn’t expect to become a mentor, but now I can’t imagine not having this connection with Makayla. It’s been an honor to be part of her journey, and I’m grateful that Moffitt supports programs like this. It’s a reminder that we can all make a difference, no matter how busy we are,” Byrd said.
As Makayla prepares for her future, she does so with the knowledge that she has someone in her corner who believes in her. And for Byrd, the experience of mentoring has reaffirmed the power of connection and the importance of giving back to the community.
Through programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Moffitt continues to build a brighter future for the next generation, one relationship at a time.
For those interested in being a part of this transformative program, Big Brothers Big Sisters runs annually, starting in September. Reach out to Moffitt Volunteer Services at volunteerservices@moffitt.org to learn more about becoming a mentor.
