Since the early 1960s, survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. Many LLS supported therapies not only help blood cancer patients but are helping patients with other cancers and serious diseases. In fact, drugs first approved for blood cancers are now approved to treat patients with stomach cancers, skin cancers, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The Leukemia Lymphoma Society, a non-profit organization, funds scientific advancements and therapies, research, and cancer patient comfort. I am happy to say that I am now raising funds for this organization which does so many amazing things for cancer research.

I am honored to participate as a candidate for the 2019 Students of the Year program, a seven-week initiative in which select high school students from around the country participate in a fundraising competition to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The competition begins January 18th when we can officially begin raising money and ends March 6th. My team, Clinic 8, and I are looking to raise funds through multiple ways - one being my website you are on right now. We raise money mainly through company sponsorships, a flyer campaign, and special events.

The candidate and their team that raise the most money at the end of the seven weeks is named Student of the Year. Our mission is to not only raise the most money but also to bring attention to blood cancers like leukemia, which is the most common form of cancer in children and teens. As a teenage survivor of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, I can appreciate first hand the benefits of cancer research and support.

I am doing this personally for myself and my older brother, who have both struggled with cancerous diseases. While I am still here today to talk about my experience with you, my older brother passed away at 6 years old. Raising money for LLS helps kids just like me survive their battle with cancer get them the treatments they need. Funding for treatments is one of the biggest problems that scientists deal with to get their drugs tested and approved.

All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. They'll not only support LLS-funded research but will help provide critical information and support for patients, and support advocacy for laws to ensure patients can access the care and treatments they need.

Please visit our website often and bring friends who would also like to donate!

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you for your support!

For more information about LLS, please visit www.lls.org.

Isabella Shimko-Lofano is a cancer survivor of Hodgkin's Lymphoma and has been cancer free for 3 years.  She is a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School and a member of the VHHS Marching Band, Symphonic Band and plays for the Rebels Softball team.  Bella maintains a part-time job and an excellent GPA. Bella aspires to be a doctor after losing her brother Calvin to Neuroblastoma at the age of 6. Bella named her LLS team Clinic 8, the outpatient clinic at Children’s Hospital of Alabama where Bella and many pediatric oncology patients go for their cancer treatments.