At 18, Lidia Rak has already taken her interest in cancer research beyond the classroom and into conversations with lawmakers. The Mandarin High School senior began looking at cancer data after a personal experience with an autoimmune blood condition led her to learn more about cancer risks. Her research eventually turned towards pediatric brain tumours and the possible relationship between naturally occurring radium in groundwater and reported cases in Florida. Rak then began advocating for greater attention to childhood cancer research and care. According to her school, Mandarin High School, that work also contributed to a $30 million Florida bill supporting local hospitals.
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