Visionaries look to the future—and see infinite possibility.
They challenge the status quo—and make the impossible possible.
They boldly imagine a better world – and lead the charge to create it.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was built on that same vision - of a better world - one without blood cancers.

I am a visionary; I have a vision for a world without cancer, but I need your help.

I decided to run for Student Visionary of the Year in honor of Aubrey, and in inspiration of her mom Alisha.  Aubrey and I were raised by our families side by side, which is why it impacted all of us when she was diagnosed with cancer at the mere age of 3.  Aubrey is strong and resilient and she did not let her sparkle dim during her battle against cancer.  She is an inspiration to us all and motivates me in all that I do.  After years of poking, prodding, hospitals, and chemo... Aubrey was declared cured on November 26, 2019.  She now is thriving cancer-free!    

LLS plays a big role in this story due to their vital contribution.  Not only did they help Aubrey through her journey but her whole family as well.  I witnessed the support LLS gives firsthand which is why I am so passionate about helping this organization!

I gained a different understanding of this organization during Alisha's candidacy in 2020.  She ran for the Women of the Year (the adult version of SVOY) and won!!  My mom was involved as a team member and I was able to understand the positive impacts and learn my way to navigate through the process of campaigning.  I saw the hard work involved for such a good cause and decided I wanted to run on my own.  This year, I’m proud to be a part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign, working to raise as much as possible for LLS’s mission. No donation is too small and even just passing along the word is greatly appreciated!

As a global leader in the fight against blood cancer, LLS:

• Funds cutting-edge research leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine that are improving and saving the lives of patients
• Provides free education and support for blood cancer patients and families, including personalized, one-on-one support, assistance with identifying and enrolling in clinical trials, and more.
• Mobilizes thousands of advocates to drive policy changes that accelerate the development of new cancer treatments and break down barriers to care.

Please consider joining this fight by making a donation. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible. Please visit my website often and tell friends who would also like to donate!

Thanks to your support, my efforts will help ensure this generation is the last to see cancer.

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you!

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

Thank you for your support,

Yassie Sezen