Happy new year!

As you probably know, 2018 was a year of unusual challenges and unexpected changes for me personally, as well as many of the people in my life. The saying, "if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans" has never felt more true. God had a few good chuckles last year, seemingly at my expense! In an effort to right 2018’s wrongs and add some do-goodery karma to all of our accounts for an awesome 2019, I would like to invite you to participate in something that is very close to my heart.

If you’ve followed me on social media the last few years, you know that I have adopted the Hootens as my own family. Many of you know of my 10 year old bestie, Josie, who is known for taking over my Instagram when we’re together, but equally nestled into my heart is her sister Eva.

Eva and her father Tim, who has become a brother to me, have had quite an extraordinary story. In 2007, Tim was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) - an incurable blood cancer. Just months later, Eva (then 4 years old) was diagnosed with a different kind of leukemia called Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Eva's mom, Katie, was 7 months pregnant with my bestie as Tim and Eva sought treatment in two different hospitals – Tim, at City of Hope and Eva, at Children's Hospital LA. Can you imagine having two family members fighting blood cancer at the same time, while preparing to bring a new life into this world? Suddenly my 2018 doesn’t seem so bad.

Tim’s life-saving medicine was developed through research funded by The Leukemia Lymphoma Society, and he’s now on a 3rd generation chemo which keeps the cancer controlled. Eva underwent 2 1/2 years of rigorous treatment and was pronounced cancer free in December of 2009.

Now 15 years old, Eva has her sights set on helping to create a world without cancer. She is participating in a fundraising effort called Student of the Year that runs from January 12 - March 1. She has set an ambitious goal of raising $100,000 in those fast 7 weeks. She has titled her campaign “When Pigs Fly: Making The Impossible Possible” because she knows a world without cancer is within our grasp (and baby pigs with wings are unquestionably cute). I am honored to have been asked to join her team and help her achieve her goal.

Funds raised will go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society whose groundbreaking research is benefiting ALL cancers, often leading the charge in many of the current cures. The creativity happening in LLS-funded trials is impacting the future, and I for one am quite proud to be joining the effort to cure cancer.

Like most people, I have been personally touched by the struggles of loved ones and close friends who have battled the disease, beginning at 10 when I lost my grandmother, to too many friendships today still fighting the good fight. Learning what I have on this journey so far, I am encouraged and amazed by the promising research and developments that are now happening through LLS!

Eva is motivated by the love she has for her dad who still depends on a daily oral chemotherapy. The cures are getting better, but there's more work to be done. I’m inspired by Eva's passion and commitment as a survivor that is leading us all to make a difference for others.

Will you join me in supporting the effort to eradicate blood cancer, find innovative treatments for ALL cancers and support Eva by giving a donation to help her reach this ambitious goal? EVERY gift, large and small, will truly make a difference.

Thank you for all you do and for considering this special request!  May 2019 be all of our best yet!