In 2008, 8-year-old Teagan Stedman learned that a friend’s brother had cancer. He decided to create a fundraising concert to fight for a cure. Involving almost 200 kids and their parents in a movement he named Shred Kids’ Cancer, Teagan and his friends organized Shredfest, a battle of kid bands. The event was the first of many successful fundraising events.
Two years later, Teagan obtained a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for Shred Kids’ Cancer. He created its budget, business plan and bylaws; recruited directors; filed articles of incorporation and completed myriad forms.
Shred Kids’ Cancer has raised more than $70,000 and funded pediatric cancer clinical trials at the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Continuing to grow, Shred Kids’ Cancer has gained corporate sponsors, partnered with other nonprofits, and conducted silent auctions and bone marrow drives as well as other events to raise funds and awareness for a cure.
Teagan, founder and chairman, has been a guest speaker at such venues as TED Talks and City Year LA. Among many honors, he was featured on the TV show, “The Young Icons” and named as one of the 10 Most Inspirational Youths on Beliefnet.com. He has also recently received the Prudential Spirit of the Community Award for California’s top middle school level youth volunteer.
Now age 13, Teagan brings passion and know-how to his cause and inspires others to join him in advancing pediatric cancer research.
