*You may register here for the "Brunch and Bags" events held on Feb. 18th. by paying $25.  Your name will be listed here for the event.  Thank you!

Please join me in supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) by making a donation to our 2018 "Students of the Year" campaign. "Students of the Year" is a spirited 7-week fundraising competition for high school students in which three of our very own are competing. The Los Angeles campaign begins Monday, January 22, 2018, and ends in celebration at our Grand Finale on Friday, March 9, 2018. Thanks to your support, our efforts will help fund the therapies and treatments and help save lives today. 

I am a proud supporter of LLS as their continued advancements over the years are responsible for the blood cancer survival rate doubling and tripling; in some cases, the survival rate has even quadrupled.  Many LLS supported therapies not only help blood cancer patients, but are now used to treat patients with rare forms of stomach and skin cancers. They're even being tested in clinical trials for patients with a range of cancers including lung, brain, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancers.

My students will be participating in a seven-week fundraising competition to stimulate research for blood cancers which are the number one killer among youth under 20-years of age.  Please read below to find out why I am deeply passionate about these young women and LLS.

“My name is Lauren Ryan. Blood cancer is something that I am unfortunately familiar with as my brother (Cory Ryan), my grandma (Maurine Ryan), and my father (Andy Ryan) have all suffered from. Fortunately, my brother and grandma have since been treated and are blessed to continue their lives cancer free; however, this has sadly not always been the case. On April 22^nd, 2009 my father lost his third battle to Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Before my dad’s passing he said, ‘Dear friends, it is not how long you live, but how well you live’. Through this, I grasped the idea that my purpose in life is to help others in any way possible. I want to turn my dad’s words into my actions. From my dad's passing, I have learned that life's most appalling moments can be the push towards the finest. My father’s drive and sanguinity stays with me. It lets me know that I am pushing myself to do the best I can, and due to opportunities like this one, my father is looking down on me and is proud of everything I have and will achieve.”

"My name is Nikki Howell.  On March 9, 2017 my father was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. My family was ill prepared for the rough waters ahead of us, but many admirable people made the journey much more livable for us. To witness that so many people cared about the well-being of our situation was so heartwarming, and I always knew I wanted to someway return the favor. My own family’s setback showed me that I could help others through what I have been through. Knowing what I do now, I intend to make a difference not only in my local community, but also nationally.  When the opportunity came my way to be a part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and their mission, it was an offer I could not decline.  It is my own goal to create the same embraceable connection with the patients and their families as I have experienced it myself.”

“My name is Haven Dragomer.  My team and I will be running our campaign in honor of 13-year old Anya Shah, the 2018 LLS honored hero, who is currently battling leukemia. All of our lives have been touched by cancer in some way and is the reason why we are giving back to those around us.”

As many of you know, I have been supporting LLS for 18 years now through Burbank High School by advocating for involvement of students, parents, friends and family through fundraisers and events.  The LLS “Students of the Year” campaign/competition is a volunteerism effort that is not only to raise money, but to aid in research to save lives of those affected specifically in honor of my students’ amazing families.  

Please join us in supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and help us reach our $50,000 goal by making a donation to the 2018 “Students of the Year” campaign.  Once $50,000 is met, our team will be given a research grant in honor or memory of a loved one.  Our goal cannot be achieved alone and this is why we need your assistance!

Ways to be involved include:

• Writing a check made payable to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 
• Becoming a part of the team and producing your own fundraising website or sharing mine (this one) with your family and friends on Facebook.
• Donating an item that will be auctioned at the Grand Finale Celebration held on March 9, 2018!  
• All donations are tax deductible #13-5644916

I would like to thank you in advanced for your support and benevolence in helping us take on the battle against blood cancer.

​Wendy Miller

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