I am honored to participate as a team member for the 2020 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. I am proud to be raising critical dollars in honor of a young local hero, Bryant, who is in remission from a blood cancer.  Each dollar counts as a vote. The more money raised, the greater the chance that I will be names, Student of the Year.  But more importantly, the more money raised, the closer we get to a cure, while buying hope for many families. 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.

I initially accepted the nomination because my close aunt temporarily lived with us while she was being treated for cancer.  I saw, with my own eyes, her struggle. Although Aunt Julie did not have leukemia or lymphoma, much of the research for blood cancers translate to other cancers since it is easier and more efficient to test on blood.  My other reason for committing to the challenge was that many of you know my big sister, Demi, who has a chronic illness.  Our family has often hinged on the stronghold of hope and LLS brings hope of new research, modalities, support and cure to many families.  I know that together, in my lifetime, we can find a cure.  I ask for your help today in this effort, while supporting my candidacy.  We really are changing the face of blood cancer!

Since the early 1960s, five-year survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. And 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.  In addition, LLS has committed over 50 million dollars toward childhood cancer in the next 5 years.  

All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. They will 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. I have only seven weeks to prove my point.  Won't you please be a part of that?  

Do you know of a person, business or family that would like to help support LLS in the fight?  Please share my website with them.  Everyone has been touched by cancer and this is one way to make a difference.

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

For the cure and with great hope,

Ainsley

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