Every two weeks, the Patriot will randomly pick a student from the directory, find out more about his or her life, and prove that every student has a story.

Losing a parent can be incredibly hard, but when faced with such devastation three years ago, freshman Amanda Brannan rose above and beyond to help others who were in the same situation that she was in.

Brannan has spearheaded many fundraisers for a cure for breast cancer, which she lost her mother to when she was twelve years old. “I promised my mom I would do everything I could to help end breast cancer forever. I have started a team called Believe in a Breakthrough and members join the team to be a part of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure,” Brannan said.

Brannan’s team, Believe in a Breakthrough, has grown into a very large group. “This past October their where over 150 members on the Believe in a Breakthrough Team,” Brannan said.

Brannan has already raised over 40,000 dollars for numerous breast cancer foundations and hospitals. “I set a goal that by the time I turned 18 I would raise 50,000 dollars for breast cancer research.  In three years I have raised over 44,000 dollars for Susan G. Komen Maryland and for Mercy Hospital Breast Health Center,” Brannan said.

Brannan was even one of the highest fundraisers in Maryland. “The last three years I have been one of the five top fundraisers in Maryland.  Two years ago I was the number one fundraiser in Maryland,” Brannan said.

One of her fundraisers is an all you can eat buffet. “Every year I organize a crab feast in memory of my mom and to support breast cancer awareness. This year the crab feast is July 29 at Price’s Seafood in Havre de Grace at noon. It is all you can eat crabs, corn, soup, fries, hot dogs, hamburgers, and all you can drink beer and soda. With the help from my dad we sell tickets for this event during the months of June and July,” Brannan said.

Although Brannan finds herself busy with fundraising for a cure for breast cancer, she has the help of her family and friends behind her.  “It can be a lot of work sometimes, but having a huge support system and having a lot of family and friends that want to help out makes it much easier to plan and get it all rolling. I am really blessed to have so many family and friends supporting me, and wanting to help out. I know I couldn’t do it without them,” Brannan said.

At the end of the day, Brannan doesn’t care about how much money she makes, as long as she is helping put an end to breast cancer. “44,000 dollars is a lot of money, but I still have 6,000 dollars to go to reach my goal. I don’t think it matters how much money you raise. It could be 500 dollars or 50,000 dollars but it all comes down to the awareness. I think giving someone hope can do so much more than a couple of dollars can,” Brannan said.

Ashley Beyer is a Lifestyles Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.