Hi all!

At the beginning of the school year with all the uncertainty of Covid, we made the decision to homeschool Andrew (13) and Sara (10).  So far, it’s been a great decision.  The kids have settled into a good routine, are learning a lot, and most importantly, are happy and healthy.  Over the Christmas holiday, Becky and I discussed what we could do to make the second half of the school year even better. Becky’s primary focus was on getting the kids involved in supporting a charitable cause.  I loved the idea, we just needed to decide what cause to support.  

A few days after this conversation, a former student of mine, Macy Rose Lee, a senior at Thousand Oaks High School, contacted me to let me know she was named student of the year by the local chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).  As part of being named student of the year, Macy would compete in a seven-week Student of the Year fundraising campaign for LLS that runs from April 5 - May 22.   Last year the campaign raised $30 million dollars nationwide.  Macy asked if I would be part of her support team.   

Of all the students that I’ve taught and coached, a handful stand out as exceptional. At the top of that list is Macy Rose Lee. I’ve known Macy since 8th grade and worked with her in a variety of capacities: in the classroom, on the field of competition, and outside of school on a handful of projects.  In all cases, Macy attacks whatever she is doing with a vigor uncommonly seen in most adults, let alone a high schooler.  Her enthusiasm and drive are infectious. 

That night at dinner, I told the family about Macy’s involvement with LLS and her request. Together we researched LLS and learned that LLS has been the frontrunner for battling blood cancer since 1949.  They’ve dedicated $1.3 billion to cancer research and in the past few years alone, they have advanced 56 cancer therapies.  This was exactly what we were looking for!  A good cause that also supports Macy, who the kids love as one of their favorite babysitters.  As a result, we decided to join Macy’s team, Illuminates, and set a family fundraising goal of $5,000.

For that reason, we’re reaching out to you to ask for your support.  All donations are 100% tax deductible. LLS’s Tax ID # is 13-5644916. I hope you will respond with “Here is my donation!” or “What else can I do to help?”  Over the course of the next few weeks you’ll receive follow up communication from Andrew and Sara to hear their perspective on supporting Macy and LLS.  

Thank you very much for your generosity and joining us in making an impact!

Sincerely, 

The Neville Family (Pat, Becky, Andrew, and Sara)