I am honored to inform you that the South Central Austin Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has nominated me as a candidate in their 2nd annual Students of the Year fundraising challenge. I could not be more excited to make a difference in the lives of patients across the country! Every year the campaign is held in honor of a boy or girl who are surviving examples that cancer does not discriminate. This year’s Honored Hero is 8 year old Roel. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in March of 2011, before the age of two. After three years of treatment he is now THANKFULLY in remission.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is an amazing non-profit organization whose fundraisers help provide research for blood cancers (Hodgkin’s disease, myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma). LLS offers support for patients, survivors, their families, and even helps to advance the science behind other cancers through its research. Unfortunately there is no early detection for blood cancers, only the search for a cure.

Leukemia is the leading cause of cancer death in children and young adults under the age of 20, which is why LLS has funded over $1 Billion in research towards a cure. Finding an answer to cancer is an enormous task which is why I have assembled a stellar team to assist me in my mission towards supporting this great cause within our community.

When I was about four years old, my grandpa died of Colon Cancer. At that age I did not understand why someone who played such a large role in my life was suddenly gone. This deep feeling of sudden emptiness is one that no one should have to experience, especially young children. LLS is funding the next generation of CAR-T therapy which will be helpful to not only blood cancers, but colon, brain, and lung cancers as well.

The campaign will commence on January 11, 2018 and end with a Grand Finale Celebration on March 2^nd where Austin’s Student of the Year will be announced. Every dollar counts as a “vote” towards my campaign and the Student with the most “votes” will be named the winner.

I would appreciate your help with this cause and I also ask that you give in whatever capacity you feel comfortable. You can also help raise funds by inviting others to donate and inquiring with your employer about corporate matching programs. Feel free to reach out to me directly if you would like to attend our campaign-ending Grand Finale Celebration or receive sponsorship information.

Thank you so much for your help, as everyone wins when cancer loses and it is your gift that makes a difference!

                               2018 Honored Hero: Roel