Profound Loss Leads to Passion for Cancer Advocacy

Profound Loss Leads to Passion for Cancer Advocacy

Morgan Landau '24 knows a thing or two about time management.

Graduating high school at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, her first year at DeSales was filled with restrictions. Once the pandemic finally slowed and campus activities resumed, the early childhood education graduate wasted no time getting involved.

"I was very excited that I was able to do things going into my sophomore year. And I honestly have no idea how to say no to people, but I'm working on it," she joked.

Landau's list of extracurriculars is as impressive as it is long. She served as captain of the women's tennis team; a team representative of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee; vice president of Kappa Delta Pi, the education honor society; a resident advisor; a career ambassador with the Career Development Center; senator for service and ministry for the Student Government Association; and more.

But her biggest passion project-Colleges Against Cancer-stemmed from profound loss. Her uncle, grandmother, and father all passed away from cancer. She lost her father just weeks into her first semester at DeSales.

"I had just gotten to college, starting this new life for myself. It was very difficult for me. My dad was my best friend. I don't ever want to see another person having to lose their parents to cancer at 18 years old."

Morgan Landau '24

Landau joined Colleges Against Cancer's executive board her first year on campus. Her sophomore year, she served as treasurer before becoming president. The group organizes fundraisers, like the annual Relay for Life, to raise money and awareness.

Landau plans to stay in the Lehigh Valley and start her teaching career for a local district. She'll continue her advocacy on an even bigger scale-as the youngest member of the Board of Advisors of the American Cancer Society Greater Lehigh Valley, which she joined earlier this year.

"Cancer impacts everyone, and it's so upsetting. It's a big part of my life, and I want to make a tiny difference in someone's life by doing what I do."

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