First-Ever Dunwoody Team Takes On Blood Cancer
In this episode of the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, host Matt Weber sits down with Grayson Myddleton and Bramley Gordon, two Dunwoody High sophomores leading the school's first-ever Student Visionaries of the Year team. They're raising money for a cause they deeply believe in—one they've witnessed impact people they care about. With personal ties to blood cancer, Grayson and Bramley are driven by more than just numbers. Cure Chasers is their way of turning that passion into action, and learning how to lead while doing it.
From Car Wash to State Capitol
Grayson and Bramley aren’t just putting on fundraisers. They’re managing a team of 20 students, organizing events, cold-calling local businesses, and learning the art of the pitch. As Grayson put it, “You have to start with the big ask and then get smaller.”
Their journey started with a car wash that raised $1,300—and yep, that first event had support from Moondog Growlers. This team is tapping into the community spirit that defines Dunwoody.
Since then, it's grown into a full campaign including:
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A silent auction and raffle at The Barn
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A babysitting-and-dance-party night at Kingsley Elementary
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Business outreach for raffle donations (gift cards, local lessons, and more)
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Lobbying day at the Georgia Capitol to see advocacy in action
Why This Kind of Learning Matters
These young ladies are gaining real experience in how to run a nonprofit, represent a cause, and organize a team. It's hands-on leadership that stays with them long after the campaign ends.
The Student Visionaries program doesn’t just build resumes—it builds confidence. Students learn to speak publicly, pitch ideas, lead peers, and connect with adults as collaborators.
With coaching in storytelling, networking, and social media strategy, participants also learn how to build a mission, rally support, and maintain momentum. For students like Grayson and Bramley, it's about stepping into leadership with purpose—and seeing how far they can go.
Breaking Down the Cure Chasers Hierarchy
It tooks me a few minutes to understand the structure of all of this and who reports to whom in this nonprofit world, here’s the breakdown:
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Blood Cancer United: The big national nonprofit. Think of it as the umbrella.
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Student Visionaries of the Year: A program run by Blood Cancer United, specifically for high schoolers.
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Cure Chasers: The Dunwoody-based team participating in that program.
So every dollar raised by Grayson and Bramley’s team goes to Blood Cancer United. The girls are competing against 40+ other metro Atlanta teams to raise the most money. And yes, Chamblee has a team too. So of course, that’s the rival.
Who Is Blood Cancer United?
Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) funds groundbreaking cancer research, provides direct patient support, and pushes for national policy changes. In 2023 alone, they funded over 90 clinical trials and supported thousands of patients through treatment, travel aid, and caregiver support.
So when you give to Cure Chasers, you're backing an organization that turns donations into life-saving science and support. It’s not just money in a bucket—it’s impact in motion.
Local Roots, Big Vision
The Cure Chasers are the first Dunwoody team to ever enter this competition, and they’re doing it with heart. They’re not just fundraising for the sake of it. Grayson and Bramley both have personal connections to blood cancer through family and friends. And they’re using that motivation to rally their peers and the larger community.
More than 20 students (all girls… for now) are involved, most from Dunwoody High. The team has been building partnerships with local businesses like Moondog Growlers and Barn, creating donation packages, and generating buzz through community-based events.
And all this as high school sophomores.
Call to Action
Support the Cure Chasers at their official donation page:
pages.lls.org/svoy/ga/svoyatlanta26/TeamCureChaser
Want to donate a raffle item or get involved? Reach out to the team via their donation page or by emailing curechasersdunwoody@gmail.com.
Show Notes
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First-ever Dunwoody team in the Student Visionaries of the Year program
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Led by two DHS sophomores: Grayson Myddleton and Bramley Gordon
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Fundraising goal: $56,000
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Local events include a car wash, Barn fundraiser, and Kingsley babysitting night
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Community support from local businesses like Moondog Growlers and Bar{n}
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Advocacy day at the Georgia State Capitol
About What’s Up Dunwoody
What’s Up Dunwoody is hosted by REALTOR® Matt Weber, spotlighting local businesses, events, and neighbors across Dunwoody, Georgia. Follow along at whatsupdunwoody.com for new episodes and community updates.
