Hello, 

Have you ever wanted to be a part of changing the world and making a difference? I do, which is why I want to tell you about this really endeavor I am taking on with my friend Frances Abu Shanab.

Leukemia causes more deaths in children under twenty than any other cancer. While there is a 90% survival rate currently for children diagnosed with these harmful diseases, we are still losing too many people to this disease. Frances Abu Shanab has invited me to join her incredible mission of being a part of curing not just leukemia, but all cancers. As our team, The Mighty Shrimps, we will be participating in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Student of the Year that runs from January 14th  - March 6th. We will be competing with other high school students across the Greater Los Angeles area during those 7 weeks to raise the most funds. I have set myself the goal of raising $5,000. While this is certainly not a small goal, I know that I can do it with your help! 

 Funds raised will go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, whose research benefits all cancer patients. More than 40% of the new cancer treatment drugs approved by the FDA since 2005 started as blood cancer drugs but are now being applied in other forms of cancer. The creativity that is happening in LLS-funded trials is impacting the future, and I am proud to join the battle to cure cancer.

I am raising money in honor of my best friend, Chantal, who was diagnosed with cancer this year. We share the same interests in swimming, volleyball, and art. By donating, you are helping Chantal and her family, as well as other families just like Chantal’s that are fighting cancer.

For too long we have treated the word cancer like a curse or a bad word. But I want to change that. When we say cancer I want people to think about it as a treatable and curable disease, but in order to get there, we must be part of funding cancer research and treatments. As a young person, I want to be the change we see in the world. I need to help others and have a real impact. By supporting LLS and The Mighty Shrimps in our journey to be the Student of the Year I know I can do that, but I cannot do it alone. 

Will you join us in supporting the effort to eradicate blood cancer, find innovative treatments for all cancers, and support our team,  The Mighty Shrimps, by giving a donation to help her reach this ambitious goal? Every gift large and small will truly make a difference.

• You can donate by a check made out to “The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society” and send it to me using the enclosed return envelope. Please include my name on the “memo” line.  

• You can donate online through my website 

•  You can donate an item for the silent auction at the Grand Finale Celebration. Any donation towards this event would be tremendously appreciated.  

• Your company can partner with LLS to support and/or sponsor the campaign. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to support me, The Mighty Shrimps, Chantal and her family,  and curing cancer. 

Sincerely, 

Lauren Neely