High school and college students across Western New York are working to create a world without cancer. Comprised of dedicated students ages 14 and up, you may have seen Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center's Yroswell Street Team working towards this goal in our community. The Yroswell Street Team, often referred to as ”Street Teamers,” volunteer at community events, spread cancer awareness and promote the Yroswell mission within their schools and our community.
DesTiny Overton, a six-year Yroswell member, is one of the many students on our current Street Team who lives out the program’s mission in her everyday life. A former Mount Mercy Academy and Canisius College graduate, DesTiny joined the Yroswell Street Team in 2017. Now, she is an active student in Roswell Park's Master's program, working towards a degree in cancer science.
Where it all started
DesTiny began her journey at Roswell Park in our high school summer internship program, working very closely with Adam Kisailus, PhD, MBA, Associate Dean of the Department of Educational Affairs. "We currently work together to implement ways to get more prospective students into a field of study at Roswell Park,” DesTiny says.
Eventually, DesTiny's experience with the summer internship program led her to join Yroswell. "Already being a part of the Roswell Park community, I wanted to stay connected and help in any way I can," she says. The Yroswell Street Team hosts fundraisers to support patient care programs and innovative research at Roswell Park, attends community events to raise awareness and supports people in our community battling this disease.
Yroswell is an excellent way for students to get connected to Roswell Park and meet people who share similar interests. "It's nice to have people just as passionate about a topic as you," shared DesTiny referring to other students on the Street Team.
For DesTiny, being part of the Street Team has been influential to her studies. "The Yroswell Street Team made me aware of the many opportunities there are in oncology. Not only the medical side but on the research side."
The first step to a career in oncology
DesTiny currently serves as the President of the Graduate Student Association, Roswell Park division. After she completes her Master's degree, she plans to attend a physician assistant program with the goal of becoming a pediatric physician assistant specializing in oncology. One piece of advice that she has for other students who wish to pursue a career in cancer science is to "Go for it! We need to have as many hands on-deck as possible."
Register today
Yroswell is always seeking students who are passionate in creating a world without cancer. To learn more, fill out our 2023-2024 Street Team interest form.
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