My name is Natalie and I am writing to you to ask for your help. But first, let me tell you a little bit about my story.

I first witnessed the impact cancer has on children and their families when I was 10 years old and my 8 year-old sister was diagnosed with cancer: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, stage 4. At that young age, she had experienced more pain and serious life decisions than most adults. When other kids were able to hang out with friends, play games at the park, and go to school, my sister was getting cancer treatment. She almost lost her battle to cancer, but thanks to the research and work done by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), my sister was cured and continues to be in remission today. After being so impacted by seeing everything that my family went through, I decided that I wanted to do my part and help others in the same situation. 

My nomination as a Student of the Year candidate by LLS came as a pleasant surprise. I am honored to be part of the seven-week initiative in which exemplary high school students are selected to participate in a fundraising competition to support LLS's mission to cure blood cancers and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. In the last decade, over 40% of the cancer treatments and drugs come from LLS funded research, which is not only being used to treat blood cancer patients, but also those affected by other cancers and diseases.

As a SOY candidate, I have joined together with my friend Emily, whose brother is also a cancer survivor, to create our own fundraising team: Sisters of Survivors. Unfortunately, more than one third of blood cancer patients still do not survive 5 years after their diagnosis, but that is where LLS is making a difference. 

Over the next seven weeks, the Sisters of Survivors will be hosting events and fundraising money for this amazing cause. Our goal is to raise $100,000!

I want to be a part of the change to find a cure for blood cancers. LLS's mission to cure these diseases and fund life-saving research has inspired me to take part in this battle against cancer. I invite you to join my fight to save lives. Let's conquer cancer together!

Although it will be challenging to reach, with your help we can do it! Every donation makes a difference. Thank you for helping me make a difference and helping LLS ensure a future without cancer.