2022 Annual Report

From Purple Community to JBoard Ambassador
During an eighth-grade class project on
chemotherapy, Sydney Vucelich stumbled onto
Van Andel Institute’s website. She thought her work
would benefit from the perspective of an expert
from the community. After exchanging a few emails,
Sydney found herself visiting Medical Mile to meet
with renowned cancer scientist and VAI Founding
Research Director, the late Dr. George Vande Woude.
“Looking back, I really can’t believe it — a successful,
internationally recognized scientist sat down with
three eighth graders to answer our questions about
chemotherapy,” Sydney said.
The meeting left such an impression that Sydney knew
she had to get involved. That’s when she learned about
VAI Purple Community and decided it was the perfect
opportunity. Sydney and her friends Allie Wittenbach,
Isabella Fiorenzo and Mariah Otolski organized a track
team fundraiser, baking cookies and selling purple
T-shirts to support the cause. It was her first time
volunteering, and it was a success: The event raised
more than $5,000 to support research at the Institute.
Her dedication to Purple Community continued during
her time at Forest Hills Central High School, where
Sydney and her friends organized Purple Games and
other fundraising events throughout the year, raising
more than $100,000 by the time she graduated. For
Sydney, the value went beyond the funds. The real
benefit came from bringing VAI’s mission to the
community. Sydney and her classmates received the
Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence Award in 2014 for
their efforts.
“My grandmother was diagnosed
with lung cancer, and my
grandfather with pancreatic cancer.
So, it wasn’t just about raising
money. It was about working to
change the future for the better.”
— Sydney Vucelich
After graduation, Sydney spent time away from VAI,
Grand Rapids and Purple Community, but the mission
remained present.
“My grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer, and
my grandfather with pancreatic cancer. So, it wasn’t just
about raising money. It was about working to change
the future for the better,” she said.
When she returned home, Sydney joined the JBoard,
VAI’s network of young professionals. She was joined
by her husband, Samuel, who had his own personal
connection to the cause.
“My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
about 15 years ago, and that experience is something
that makes you want to do more,” Samuel said. “Hearing
from Sydney about VAI and attending JBoard events
made me realize this is a place where we can make
an impact.”
For Sydney, engaging with VAI along with her husband
deepened her connection to the Institute while
strengthening their relationship. They find it to be a
perfect cause, one that connects their family history,
personal interests and passion to create a better future.
The JBoard has also connected them to the Grand
Rapids community, bringing together other young
professionals with shared interests. This was an
unexpected benefit, Samuel said, but one that has made
it clear the Institute is the right place for them.
“At so many networking events, people have a selfcentered
perspective, but that does not happen
here,” Samuel said. “No matter who you talk to at a
VAI or JBoard event, they’re there for the science, the
researchers, the cause — and the conversation always
hinges on how we can make a greater impact together.”
Sydney and Samuel see JBoard, and their involvement
with VAI as a whole, as a lifelong relationship. They aim
to continue supporting the Institute, attending events
and following along with its mission. It might even carry
into the next generation.
“Just the other day, my sister was telling me that she
would like to get involved with the Institute, and I’m also
working on getting more of Samuel’s side of the family
into things,” Sydney said. “Hopefully, one day my kids
can organize their own Purple Community events.”
To learn more about VAI’s JBoard Ambassadors visit
vai.org/JBoard.
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