Ariela Rozentul is a 16-year-old girl from Cliffside Park and is currently a student at Bergen County Academies. Ariela has been acting on stage and in front of cameras since she was 6 years old; she has always loved to write and has long dreamed of creating her own films.
In 2020, Ariela wrote and produced her first short independent film, “Butterfly,” which was inspired by true events. “Butterfly” portrayed a young girl, played by Ariela, who delves into the reasons that some people die young. The butterfly’s image of a beautiful and graceful insect can signify all the loved ones we have lost, but are now at peace circling over us. “Butterfly” was selected by over 20 film festivals worldwide and received 15 awards. Ariela’s next film was “Follow the Crow” in 2021, a reflection of the loss of people who died due to COVID. “Follow the Crow” was also a critical success, winning 10 awards. Ariela writes her own scripts, music and lyrics, and stars in her films, an extraordinary accomplishment for a teenager.
Ariela developed a strong interest in neuroscience throughout the years, and did many outreach performances at various hospitals as part of philanthropic events. When she turned 14, she decided to combine her interest in neuroscience and passion for performing to create a fundraiser called “Young Voices Against Brain Cancer” to help raise money for brain cancer research. Ariela joined forces with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC), which is at the forefront of cancer research and treatments. With her years of performing, she had assembled a significant group of young professional actors in the theater, film and television community who joined her when on this campaign.
From the start of this Young Voices Against Brain Cancer, Ariela and her team have met multiple brain cancer patients and their families. They have participants whose family members have been affected by brain cancer, young performers from different parts of the U.S. who reached out with their personal stories of survival, and some even joined in their fundraising and outreach efforts. One patron of the event was going through treatments and described how Ariela and her team gave inspiration and hope to him. Unfortunately he lost his battle, but his memory lives and he will be remembered. Hopefully there will be a time in the future when brain cancer will be easily treatable.
“I am so lucky to have a whole network of the most talented and giving young performers from the theater and film/TV communities,” Ariela said. Her first performers were friends she met through the acting industry. Now they are expanding, with many younger performers who are just starting out in this highly competitive industry. Ariela has performers from other parts of the U.S. who have reached out to join the fundraising and outreach efforts.
When asked about her initiatives, Ariela explained: “I will be honest, it’s not easy, but I absolutely love it. Every time I get positive feedback from a patient, a doctor or a caregiver, it gives me so much energy and determination to work even harder and do my best to expand the efforts and to make sure Young Voices Against Brain Cancer raises even more funds, and that we are able to reach more patients, make them smile and give them hope.”
Since Ariela created this philanthropic event, she has been working directly with a research lab run by neuro-oncologist Dr. Ingo K. Mellinghoff, the chair of the Department of Neurology at the MSKCC. All profits from her fundraising cabarets and 100% of all donations are going directly to The Ingo Mellinghoff Lab for research. She stays in close connection with Dr. Mellinghoff as well as MSKCC.
When Ariela created Young Voices Against Brain Cancer, she joined kids and teens in the efforts to fight cancer. Very soon after her first fundraiser she had an opportunity to meet pediatric hematologist-oncologist Dr. Andrew Kung, the chair of Pediatrics at MSKCC. So of course, she came up with the idea that all of the kids should perform for pediatric patients at MSKCC, especially because at that time they were getting closer to the holiday season’s theme of love, laughter, giving and joy. However, due to post-COVID restrictions, Ariela and her team were not allowed to perform in person. But no obstacle has ever stopped the young dynamo before, so she reached out to friends who were not part of the cabaret performance but still wanted to participate, and they created “Holiday Cheer” video concerts for the MSKCC internal network. Each of these concerts includes more and more performers from around the U.S. and each participant is encouraged to donate towards brain cancer research. Ariela and her performers make sure that different cultures and holidays are included in each “Holiday Cheer” video concert so that every patient and caregiver feels included.
Their first cabaret after Oct. 7, 2023 was in December of that year. Many of Ariela’s “Young Voices” friends are Jewish, and even those who are not, are great allies and supporters. Of course the majority of conversations between participants and parents were all around the events that were unfolding, what was happening in the industry and on college campuses. Everyone was affected, but it was such a good feeling that they all had each other and a safe space to talk, share experiences, and continue to do what they love. Ariela and her team make sure that all of the holiday-time concerts include Chanukah-related and other Jewish songs. Their last “Holiday Cheer” concert included several songs by the Frisch Choir, which was an inspiring addition to the list of participants.
The first time a “Holiday Cheer” video was created, Ariela was unsure of how well it would be received, but soon she got a request for another “Holiday Cheer” video, and suddenly she started getting messages all over U.S. from teens she didn’t even know who wanted to take part in this inspiring and positive outreach.
Ariela’s goal is to expand this fundraiser and raise substantial money for brain cancer research as well as educating the next generation about the importance of cancer research. She also wants to create a bigger “Holiday Cheer” effort and involve a wider group of participants. This tireless young woman has also introduced a mentorship program for younger participants who are starting their career in the theater, film and television industries; she hopes they will take over, manage and expand this philanthropic campaign even when the older teens become adults.
So, how can you help? There are several ways to get involved. The first is to donate! There is an MSKCC fundraising page. One hundred percent of the donations go to brain cancer research. There are no hidden administration fees and none of the participants make any money on this. This fundraiser is 100% managed by volunteer efforts and everyone involved donates their time to help raise funds for this important cause. If anyone has a business and would be willing to help or sponsor, please reach out to Ariela via email or instagram: [email protected] or @Youngvoicesagainstbraincancer
Another way to help is by attending Ariela’s cabarets, where 100% of profits from ticket sales are donated for brain cancer research. Further, sharing the information about the fundraiser is just as vital. Brain cancer is still a scary topic that people are not comfortable talking about, but more research is needed to help find a cure, and that requires lots of funding and awareness.
One thing many people do not realise is that the more rare the cancer, the less money is allocated towards that research. Federal funds are more likely to be approved for more common cancers that affect more people, but patients with rare cancers still deserve the same amount of hope and research, so Ariela asks that people contribute any way they can to fight brain cancer. Lastly, for their “Holiday Cheer” video concerts, Ariela and her team welcome participation of school choirs and bands, so please reach out to her if you would like to be included.
Julianne Katz is a 2024-2025 Emerson Fellow from the University of Connecticut and a former Jewish Link intern.
