When 2-year-old Ann Denman lost her battle with Leukemia in 1984, friends and family in Kingwood, Texas, came together to establish a memorial that would help other children who are facing the same battle. The outcome was Mothers Against Cancer, a nonprofit founded in 1989 that raises funds for childhood cancer research at the Texas Children's Hospital Cancer Center. Over the past three decades, this organization has donated over $8.5 million to pediatric cancer research.

Brittany Nichols grew up surrounded by support for this organization. Brittany's own mother, who was friends with Ann Denman's parents, had been participating in Mothers Against Cancer since Brittany was a child. Britany was inspired to join the organization after seeing her mother and her friends' commitment to raising money for childhood cancer research.

Because of her own history with Mothers Against Cancer, Brittany chose this organization to be the beneficiary of the Lockton Cares Community Impact Award. "Only four cents on every dollar donated to cancer research goes to pediatric cancer research. The remaining goes toward adult cancer research. We are hoping to fill that gap," she explained.

Brittany's keen sense of empathy and determination, both in her community impact initiative and her professional life, have played a key role in her success. Her passion for giving back stems from a belief that even small actions can have a lasting impact. "At Lockton, you feel like you are family. If you have something that you care about and you are passionate about, someone will reach out and say, 'Let's do something about this.' It motivates you just being with Lockton to step up and do better."

Lockton's donation will also have a significant impact on the families of children with cancer in her community. At Texas Children's Hospital, parking spaces for families or parents visiting their children are $40 per day. The donation from Lockton Cares will help Mothers Against Cancer cover these costs, making a challenging experience a bit easier.

In addition to easing parking, Lockton's donation supported Brittany's "Christmas in July" event for Mothers Against Cancer. Brittany and her friends and family put together goodie bags for the children and parents who are staying at Texas Children's Hospital. "It is hard being in the hospital for so long. We want to put a smile on their face and let the kids know that we are thinking about them," she said.

"Lockton has been an incredible company to work for, and I am grateful for their support. Without their donation, I would not have had the opportunity to contribute so greatly to pediatric cancer patients, and together, we are making a real difference," Brittany said.