Alumni Achievers – Rebecca Sweet, Brentwood High Class of 2003
Published October 10, 2018
Know a Williamson County Schools graduate who has moved on to great things? CLICK HERE to send us an email and nominate an Alumni Achiever. Simply tell us the person’s name, what they’re doing now, and an email address or phone number so that we may contact them.
In June, Rebecca Sweet was named the Luekemia and Lymphoma Society’s 2014 Woman of the Year. Sweet, whose husband Phillip is a member of the band Little Big Town, earned the title by raising $72,000 for blood cancer research, education and support services for patients and their families. Rebecca grew up in Williamson County and attended Scales Elementary, Brentwood Middle and Brentwood High.
How did you become involved in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society?
My first experience with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was through a dear friend of mine, Nan Kelley. Nan is the host of GAC Top 20, has been a big supporter of my family, and is a very bright light. A couple of years back, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Her story is inspirational, the light at the end of your tunnel. That year, she participated in the “Light the Night” walking event. She sent out a calling to the music industry. My husband received an email about participating in the event. He was unfortunately already committed that day. So, I gathered a bunch of my artist wife buddies, and we created “The Real Wives of Country Music.” Ha! Our goal was to raise $1,000 in honor of Nan. Thanks to our supporting husbands and families,we surpassed it by raising $5,000. Nan surpassed her goal of fighting cancer with flying colors!
Why is this cause so important to you?
This cause is important because it has effected so many people around me. Every three minutes one person in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer, that’s 156,420 people in 2014 alone. Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children, adolescents and adults under the age of 20. If we can find a cure for one cancer, we win over all of cancer. Chemotherapy started with blood cancer research. I believe it is an investment in a cure of all cancers.
What did you enjoy most about your high school experience?
I loved being a Brentwood Bruinette, especially my senior year. We spent most of our lives dancing in the lobby or cafeteria of that school! I still keep in touch with the girls, and we laugh about all the experiences we shared as a team. Actually, my little girl has taken dance from two of my former teammates and currently is taking from the same studio as I did.
Do you have any advice for current WCS students?
My advice to current students is get out there and change the world. You can’t complain about an issue if you are not willing to do anything to find the solution. Bettering the community around you will start a ripple effect and change the world.