Brad Jerson founded Students Putting an End to Cancer (SPEC). It became an official club, as a branch of the Bethpage High School Student Civic Association.

When Brad was 7 years old his grandfather died from cancer. As Brad grew up, he noticed more and more people becoming diagnosed with the disease.

When Brad was 15, his mother had breast cancer. Brad explained, “I finally understood what millions of other families had been going through for years. The pain and devastation made me realize that I could not just sit back and accept it. I had to do something to stop this horrible trend in the community. An idea of starting a Cancer Prevention Club in my school crossed my mind. My main goal in starting this club was to raise consciousness in the community about the various forms of cancer, their causes, coping with the side effects, and providing a forum for sharing ideas and feelings.” 

Brad explained, “I asked my best friend what she thought of the idea, and her exact response was, ‘No offense, I think it is a good idea, but I don’t think many people will actually join and care about it. And besides, you’re only a sophomore.'”

Brad was determined to get the club started. After returning from The Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference, which Brad attended as a chosen representative from his school, Brad knew his dream could become a reality.  He received approval from his school administration and the club held its first meeting. To Brad’s surprise, more than 50 students attended.

Club membership continually increased to 100 the following term. The persistent hard work of SPEC members resulted in informative and fundraising events regarding cancer.

Brad explained, “I learned in life that you should follow your own heart and not listen to anyone but yourself.”
(Plainview, NY: 1999)