UNL Junior Board

Alayna Wilson is the current Advisor for the Junior Board. She previously served as the President of the Junior Board for 2 years before taking on this position. As Alayna is pursuing her graduate degree from the University of Kansas, she virtually meets with the Junior Board and helps coordinate events, fundraisers, sponsors, and continuing education on all things childhood cancer related.

"I became involved in this organization from its inception, but this cause took a new meaning for me once one of my good friends and dance partner, Trevor Luckey, was diagnosed and unfortunately passed from pediatric cancer. I am now a local titleholder for the Miss Nebraska organization where I visit schools, coordinate card drives, and bring awareness to this cause all across our great state. Being the first ever Advisor to the Junior Board is one of my proudest accomplishments and these college students remind me of why I wake up each day and do my part to end childhood cancer,"

How did you get involved with Sammy’s: Well, first off I have a special place in my heart due to losing a realIy close friend to it. I then got involved with Sammy’s Superheroes Jr. board when Alayna reached out to me and told me how much it meant to her and asked if I would like to take it over as president. Because I have always looked up to Alayna (the previous Jr. Board President) and all she does for Sammy’s, it inspired me to step up and get involved in this life changing organization. Sammy’s Superheroes really hits home for me and I thought it would be amazing to share the mission of Sammy’s Superheroes to my new community in Lincoln! I’m excited to make a difference and do some awesome things for this organization. 

Why this cause matters to you: This cause matters to me in so many ways! I love working with children and if I can help in any way to bring awareness to childhood cancer, I’m going to take the opportunity. 

Hometown: Columbus, Ne

3 Fun-Facts:

• I’m majoring in business administration and minoring in dance 
• I hope to share my passion for dance with kids someday! 
• I’m obsessed with koala bears

How did you get involved with Sammy’s: I got reached out to by Macy and was extremely excited to work with other people who have a passion for helping children. Growing up in Columbus, Nebraska, I am familiar with the Sammy Superheroes Foundation. I remember having Fundraisers for it and have always seen how people light up when they occur.

Why this cause matters to you: Pediatric cancer has always touched my heart because I have a passion for not only working with children but also trying to better their lives. It has always been a hard topic for people in Columbus and I am very excited to be working for a better life for children everywhere.

Hometown: Columbus, Nebraska

3 Fun-Facts:

• I am obsessed with pickles
• My favorite superhero has always been Spider-Man
• I am majoring in Human and Family Developmental Science & minoring in Business

How did you get involved with Sammy’s: I got involved with Sammy’s Superheroes when Macy reached out and explained the purpose of this group which means a lot to everyone but especially the whole Columbus community. Sammy’s Superhero’s started in Columbus and I am so excited for it to come to Lincoln and help get involved and make a difference in the lives of pediatric cancer patients!!

Why this cause matters to you: From living in Columbus, pediatric cancer was always important to the community because of Sammy’s Superhero’s starting in Columbus. As a community we have always had multiple Sammy events to raise money for pediatric cancer and it was so meaningful to see how together we impacted the lives of others. 

Hometown: Columbus, NE

3 Fun-Facts: 

• I am a pre health major and hope to someday become a sonographer 
• My dream place to visit is Europe or the Bahamas 
• I love all spicy foods 

How did you get involved with Sammy’s: I heard about the group at one of their previous fundraisers at the Broken Mug in Columbus. After hearing that they have a specific board for UNL students, I reached out to both Alayna and Macy to get more information about how I could help spread awareness to the Lincoln community.

Why this cause matters to you: Living in Columbus, I always attended Sammy’s Superheroes events, and it has been amazing watching our whole community come together to raise money for this foundation. 

Hometown: Columbus, NE

3 Fun-Facts: 

• I am majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders and plan to work in a hospital as a Speech Language Pathologist.
• I have never had Chipotle
• I would have gummy bears for every meal if I could…

How did you get involved with Sammy’s: I got involved with Sammy’s Superheroes because Lanie approached me with the opportunity to support a great cause. I’ve been to several Sammy events in Columbus the past few years and to see it come all the way to UNL’s campus is really awesome and I knew I wanted to be apart of it. 

Why this cause matters to you: For the majority of my middle school and high school years I attended Sammy events, and to see how much it means to the families and kids battling with pediatric cancer is something special. Any small role that I can serve to help those kids and families is something that I am willing to do.

Hometown: Columbus, Ne

3 Fun-Facts:

• I am majoring in marketing. 
• I’ve owned my own snow cone business since I was 17. 
• I drink about 5 cups of coffee a day. 

How did you get involved with Sammy’s: When I was contacted by previous board member about an opportunity to join this Jr Board I jumped on it! Growing up in Columbus, I have been able to see what an amazing impact the Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation has had on our community and the people within it. I wanted nothing other than to be a part of something that great and I was excited to see what we could here by extending this Foundation to the community I am now a part of here in Lincoln.

Why this cause matters to you: Like many of us will say, pediatric cancer is something that holds a special place in our hearts. Being able to help and make a difference in some of these children’s lives is nothing less than rewarding. 

Hometown: Columbus, NE

3 Fun-Facts:

• I am a Criminal Justice major on the pre-law track
• My favorite food is sandwiches 
• I visited 7 states in the past 2 years 

How did you get involved with Sammy’s: Macy reached out to me and I was excited to join because people I respect have been involved with this organization. Same goes for joining this junior board! Back in high school my cheer team was very involved with Sammy Superheroes and I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue that into my college years.

Why this cause matters to you: Pediatric cancer hits home for a lot of us and it is something I am super passionate about. I want to be able to make a difference and this organization allows me to do that! 

Hometown: Columbus, NE

3 Fun-Facts:

• I danced for over 15 years
• I have very hyper-extended elbows
• I have never seen the ocean but plan to soon

How did you get involved with Sammy’s: I have worked with Sammy Superhero’s before and so when Macy asked me to join the jr. board I was very excited to hear that we would be bringing it to Lincoln. The Columbus community is very passionate about this organization and so it is exciting to see what we can do for it in Lincoln. I think it is a great organization that truly makes a difference. 

Why this cause matters to you: As a lot of these other people involved in the organization, pediatric cancer is very close to all of our hearts and it truly means so much to each of us. So I love having the opportunity to help as much as I can.

Hometown: Columbus, NE

3 Fun-Facts:

• I have never been out of the country before.
• I would take fruit over candy any day.
• My major is pre med and I am thinking about physical therapy.

How did you get involved with Sammy’s: I am an intern at Make-A-Wish Nebraska, and have really seen the impact a non-profit organization can make in people’ s lives. Thus, I wanted to help with a hometown non-profit, and make a difference locally. 

Why this cause matters to you: I have a passion for helping children, and I love being able to help with a cause that is so close to home. 

Hometown: Columbus, NE

3 Fun-Facts:

• I am a nursing major, I hope to be a pediatric nurse someday. 
• My whole family has red hair, including my cat.
• My favorite color is pink.