Kyle Gibson Legal Research & Writing

A. Abstract

The title of my legal research paper will be Steps in Medical Care to End the Unbeatable

Disease and I am going to host the Ending Cancer in Our Youth event. The purpose of this

project, and my topic, is to bring awareness as well as fundraising towards cancer research and

progress for children with leukemia at the Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughters in

Norfolk, Va. More specifically, this paper and proposal will ask questions that are neglected, and

unfortunately, are rarely addressed.

When it comes to research to discover the possible cure for cancer, related institutions have

had minuscule progress over the amount of time, money, and lives spent on the research for the

disease. Because of this lack of progress, many questions are yet to be asked, and I am willing to

take steps to raise awareness, and change the quality of life for the hundreds of children who are

stuck in a hospital bed for a majority of their youth. I, myself, have a blood disorder called

Spherocytosis, which is a hereditary mutation in which my red blood cells are spherical, rather

than bi-concave or donut-shaped. This disease causes my blood cells to lack the adequate

hemoglobin, oxygen, and shape that normal RBCs (red blood cells) do, causing my spleen to

identify my RBCs as mutations, thus destroying them. This defect is very similar to that of

leukemia, but is in no comparison to the devastating effects of it. When I visit CHKD about two-

to-three times a year, I am in close contact with my peers. Those are the same peers who are

dying slowly at far too young of an age.

Over the substantial amount of years that have passed since cancer has been an epidemic in

the United States, it has been the landmark subject of very little progress. Although, cancer is

one of the most mutating and unpredictable health issues the world has ever seen, it is unclear
Kyle Gibson Legal Research & Writing

what is happening with the trillions of dollars in funding that goes into cancer research, and cure

development. A topic of question for quite some time has now been placed on the back burner as

of recent, but instead of being a major topic of discussion and growth, it has been replaced with

more important issues, such as the economy and politics. I question if the money raised for

cancer research by everyday citizens is taken advantage of, or if funding may go elsewhere in a

non-profit association, such as executives or their agendas. If true, this raises not only an

ethical issue in the U.S., but also a legal issue that could change the outlook most Americans

have on their medical care.

For my senior project I am going to: construct, plan, and host a community event that will

generate significant funds towards cancer research, as well as; make the lives of the many

children who have this terrible disease happier. I plan to design and create my own t-shirt, along

with the sponsorship and logo a local business, Java Surf, that will portray the slogan or title of

my project along with its respected design/graphic, and sell them. The purchase of the t-shirts

will be bought between myself, and a small portion will be donated from Java. All profits made

from selling, fundraising, and a portion of the business sales the day of will go directly to

children battling with leukemia at CHKD. I will do all of the this along with an additional

fundraiser, promoting community awareness, and a creating a positive experience. Helping

guide me through all of this will be my Ethics and Law, as well as my AP U.S History teacher,

Mr. Butler. He is a very intelligent and qualified individual who I feel will help better my

communication skills to accomplish this goal I have set for myself.

Kyle Gibson Legal Research & Writing

B. Learning Skills

New Skills:

Facilitating a community event of my own that I have created

Co-operating with local organizations on a social/medical issue

Marketing my brand to people & businesses

Creating a product (t-shirts)

Hosting a public fundraiser

Enhanced Skills:

Efficiency (time & work)

Teamwork

Creativeness

Originality

Leadership

Communication

Entrepreneurial qualities

C. Marketing Plan/ Facilities/ Audience

The intended audience for my Senior Project includes: children/young adults with

leukemia, those affected as a result of this disease (family, friends, loved ones, etc.), and the

general public of Hampton Roads. This topic, Cancer in Our Youth, is essentially relevant for

our area. It is incredible when you consider the amount of cancer treatment centers that we have
Kyle Gibson Legal Research & Writing

to combat this disease, in just our area alone. As a result of the spotlight dramatically shifting off

of childhood cancer towards more political and social issues, the vast number of cancer patients

in our area have been neglected. I plan to change that. I expect many positive results to come

from my project. Firstly, I hope to strengthen the willpower of the strong children who are not

recognized enough, and let them see that they are not forgotten in this overly-distracted

community. Secondly, I plan to raise an adequate amount of money, while promoting awareness,

to improve the quality of life for the children who spend most of their youth staring at a bland

hospital wall.

When it comes to childhood cancer, there is no particular audience that it applies to. Every

person in our community can have a positive impact on the lives of our youth battling with

cancer. My event will incorporate many facets to raise awareness, and funding for these

children. I will team up with local businesses (restaurants, retail stores, coffee shops, etc.) in the

community to reach a much larger amount of people willing to help. I will also create a website

where Ill clearly lay out my mission to end childhood cancer, and why. Finally, I will work

side-by-side with anyone willing to help me accomplish this goal of mine, including possible

sponsorships and/or donors.

Kyle Gibson Legal Research & Writing

D. Project Steps

Time Documentation
Preliminary Steps Create t-shirt logo with 15-20 Hours
local business (Java
Surf), find various public
venues to sell shirts,
create website, advertise
venues and project
through the following;
social media, word of
mouth, and print media.

Midway Host event, keep 20 Hours

documentation and
collect money from sold t-
shirts, calculate funds
raised
Later Give raised funds to 5 Hours
CHKD, send Thank you
letters to everyone that
assisted me
Follow Up Keep in touch with those 5 Hours
who helped me through
Senior Project after its
completion. Also, making
the finishing touches on
my portfolio.
Total Hours 45-50 Hours

E. Project Documentation

Video/picture footage of my event

pdf. images of emails and/or text messages sent between my project sources

Time sheet of hours completed doing project steps

Flyers and advertisements

Kyle Gibson Legal Research & Writing

Custom logo created on t-shirts

Interview notes/script (maybe)

F. Project Justification

This year I am going to complete a project which will be the biggest stretch for me so far in

my entire life. The importance of this project means much more to me than just checking a box

off of my resume, or completing a class. Instead, this project is an free-reigning opportunity for

me to see what I am really made of, and what good I can do for a cause that is near to my heart.

Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to host, and create an event, that was made by

me, to push myself, and to do great things for the people who deserve it. Not only will my

project illustrate the hard work, long hours, and effort that I have put in, but it will also reflect

the mental toughness and perseverance of my personality. Currently, I am a student-athlete

playing multiple sports year round, and this has shown me, as well as others, many positive

qualities about myself. What I am going to accomplish in my project though, is something

entirely different than I have ever done before. I am very proud of the fact that I will complete

this task by myself, and finish feeling happy with the positive effect Ive had on my community.

G. Project-Paper Connection

The driving force behind both my research paper, and my Senior Project is recognition for

those in need. My overarching goal in this dual-semester journey is to help educate, support, and

recognize the children in our cities facing the toughest childhood killer disease in the 21st

century, leukemia. When I hear stories of children who have so much potential to live, but cant

beat the disease, it is truly discouraging. That wont stop me though. I plan to write a legal

research paper designed to expose the flaws in our Medicare, and fix them. At the same time, I

wish to be an example to those who feel the same passion about childhood cancer.
Kyle Gibson Legal Research & Writing

H. Academic Honesty

Honesty is telling the truth when nobody is looking. In this case, academically, there is a

large absence of teacher supervision, which is due to the fact that this is mostly an independent

year-long assignment. Most of our interactions will be done in private, and it is the

responsibility of the student to do their work, and not take from somebody elses, and/or lie about

theirs. I fully realize the consequences of doing such acts, and will be sure to make my work

completely honest despite any obstacle placed before me.

I understand that any academic dishonesty by me on any part of the project will result in failure

of the Senior Project and forfeiture of the Legal Studies Seal on my High School diploma.

_____________________________________________________________________________

I. PARENT AGREEMENT

As a First Colonial High School, Legal Studies Academy parent, I recognize all parts of the Senior Project

are graduation requirements and I intend to support my student throughout the process. However, I will at

no time do any of the work for my student or falsify any documentation, such as consultant agreements,

absence/excuse notes.

I understand the physical project must be a product or performance which takes at least 20 hours outside

of class time to complete, and which challenges my son/daughters current skills and knowledge.

Additionally, I recognize I may obtain needed information via the Senior Project Manual; posted online.

I fully understand this project selection decision is made independently of the staff and administration of

First Colonial High School. The project selection and approval is parent and student-centered. Final

approval for the project is governed by the Senior Project Advisory Board.

Due to the importance of the Senior Project, submittal of a project without approval will result in a failure
 Kyle Gibson Legal Research & Writing

or forfeit of Legal Studies Graduation. Thus, if the project or consultant is altered or changed, a Project

Revision Form must be submitted by October 21, 2016.

Parent/Guardian Signature ___________________________ Date _________________

Day Phone ____________________ Evening Phone _________________________

Student Name ____________________________________________________________

Student Signature _________________________________ Date _________________

Student E-mail ___________________________________

J. TEACHER APPROVAL

I have read this Proposal Packet, asked for clarification when needed, and believe this project
will challenge the student.

Teacher ___________________________________ Block __________

Teacher Signature ________________________________

K. CONSULTANT CONTRACT

Student Name: ___________________________________________________________

Dear Prospective Senior Project Consultant:

To satisfy the requirements for First Colonial High Schools Legal Studies Academy (LSA)
Senior Project, each LSA senior must complete a project challenging the student and requires 20
hours to complete. The student must create a product or performance which is measurable and
corresponds directly with his/her Academic Legal Research paper. In order to carry out this
project, the student needs a project consultant, someone from the community with interest, time
and expertise to help the student complete the project. Project consultants have the unique
opportunity to help a student in a very meaningful learning experience.

Please read the list below to be sure you qualify as a project consultant, and you are willing to
undertake this service for the student named above.

The Project Consultant:

Must be an adult, 21 years or older
 Kyle Gibson Legal Research & Writing

Must be willing to attend any project event(s) planned!

Must be knowledgeable in the field the student has chosen.
Must be willing to oversee 20 hours or more of students work on the project via personal,
phone, or email contact.
Must be willing to sign this contract explaining the roles and responsibilities of the student and
consultant after reviewing project proposal and clarifying project with the student.
Must be willing to verify a log of students hours, progress reports or discuss students hours via
phone interview.
Must be willing to write an evaluation of the students project upon completion with forms
provided.
Must not help the student with writing the research paper or creating the final presentation.

The student is responsible for meeting all deadlines and completing the project. The student
should inform you of those deadlines and establish a schedule of meetings with you.

To help us ensure the student has an appropriate project consultant, please provide the
information requested at the end of this contract. First Colonial High Schools Legal Studies
Academy thanks you for your time and interest in our students. Please feel free to e-mail Susan
Van Schenck, the Senior Project Instructor, at susan.vanschenck@vbschools.com with any
questions about the project.

To the Project Consultant: Please provide the information requested and sign on the
appropriate line below.

Name _______________________________________ Phone (Day) ________________

Business/Organization __________________________ Phone (Evening) ______________

Address_________________________________________________________________

Email __________________________________________________________________

Would you be willing to advise other students in the same area? YES NO

What will be your role, your contribution to the students Senior Project?

Will you discuss possible dates and agree to attend the students Senior Project?
Kyle Gibson Legal Research & Writing

I have discussed the project proposal with the student. The project meets the requirements, and I
agree to act as this students project consultant and attend his/her project.
______________________________________________Date______________________
(Project Consultant Signature)

I understand as the student, I am responsible for meeting all deadlines, for meeting regularly with
my Project Consultant, and for completing the Senior Project. I understand my Project
Consultant will help me with the project phase and is not responsible for helping me with my
paper or my presentation.

_______________________________________________Date____________________
(Student Signature)