When I moved to Philadelphia in 2014, I worked with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to start a stair-climb fundraiser. It’s been a rewarding experience; I’ve learned a ton about cancer research and what it’s like to build an event from the ground up. I’m happy to report that Big Climb Philly is now in its third year! Climbers will summit the brand-new FMC building in downtown Philadelphia on May 19th.

 

But there’s more good news. You might remember that in years past, I’ve brought up a groundbreaking new type of cancer treatment called immunotherapy, which effectively trains the immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells. Over the summer, the FDA approved an  groundbreaking immunotherapy for leukemia patients! You can read about it here.

 

This is big news because traditional cancer treatments are brutal. March 20th marked the 2-year anniversary of the end of my treatment, but I’m still dealing with its numerous side effects. I was out sick for more than three weeks of school during the winter, as my immune system is still recovering and it takes me a long time to get over even small infections. I can’t imagine what kids with even more aggressive forms of cancers have to go through.

 

We need better, more targeted treatments that don’t cause such long-term harm to patients. We’re so close to achieving that goal. The inconvenient truth is that it takes a lot of money to make these cures a reality, and charity funding is a big part of that. The LLS has contributed tens of millions of dollars to cutting-edge cancer research, including the immunotherapy that just got approved by the FDA. But they can’t do it without our help. That’s why I worked to start Big Climb Philly, and why I continue to fundraise for the LLS every year.  I know what chemotherapy and cancer are like, and I don’t want anyone else to have to go through what I did ever again. I’d be incredibly grateful for your support in my Big Climb Philly campaign this year.

 

Let's work together to cure cancer!