Even though I no longer work for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), I still consider LLS my "charity of choice" because of the AMAZING work they are doing to change the landscape of cancer research - seriously, there's a new therapy approved almost every week - and the AMAZING friends I've made over the past decade. One of the most inspiring friends I've met through LLS is a young lady named Eva Hooten (and her family, of course - shout out to Tim, Katie and Josie).

Ten years ago, Eva was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia the same year as her father, Tim, was diagnosed with a different form of leukemia. After surviving the disease, the Hooten family decided to pay it forward by producing a video that has been shown to hundreds of thousands of LLS supporters, in which Eva shares my favorite line - "You are the answer to curing cancer." Their compelling story inspired an army of LLS supporters and raised millions of dollars for cancer research, but they continue to give their hearts and souls to the cause by serving as Honored Heroes, Board Members, Team Members and speakers. They were/are a staple in my LLS life, and I am so proud to support them in their newest endeavor ... drumroll please... 

Eva, who turns 16 on February 4th, is undertaking her family's largest fundraising effort to date as a Students of the Year candidate. She has a goal of raising $100,000 by March 1st, and I am committed to helping her blow past that goal.

With Eva (right) and her sister Josie at the 2016 MWOY Grand Finale.

Thank you in advance for what you can give. All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. They'll not only support LLS-funded research but will help provide critical information and support for patients, and support advocacy for laws to ensure patients can access the care and treatments they need.

On behalf of my family, the Hooten family, and blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you for your support! XOXO ... Infinity!