Dear Friends and Family, 

I had the privilege of being nominated as a candidate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) South Bay Student Visionaries of the Year campaign. Student Visionaries of the Year is a seven-week leadership development program that runs from February 20th to April 11, 2025 to raise money and help support the LLS mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.   

I have created a team of committed friends and family to partner with me on this journey. Together, we have set a fundraising goal of $50,000, and have chosen patient support as the LLS mission pillar to represent throughout our campaign.  

Money raised helps LLS, the largest nonprofit dedicated to creating a world without blood cancers, advance initiatives like providing crucial support for blood cancer patients and their families. LLS is the leading source of free information, education, and support for blood cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals, including one-one-one support, financial assistance, clinical trial placements, and more.  

Last year, I participated in the Student of the Year campaign as a team member with the Dream Defenders. We were able to raise about $25,000 to help support the many people struggling with blood cancer. By leading a team this year, I would like to be able to encourage others to participate in this wonderful journey and help others at the same time. I hope to honor my friend, Cait, who passed away in 2023 due to Rhabdomyosarcoma and raise money so that patients can have hope and so no other person or family will have to experience the pain brought by this. My campaign will provide support to the critical work of LLS in hopes that one day no one will have to grow up without the ones they love. I know that with your help, I can reach my goal and make a direct impact in the fight against blood cancers.  

I thank you in advance for partnering with a campaign so close to my heart, and please remember, every bit counts. All donations are tax deductible.

I appreciate your support!

For a cure, 

Grace McDonald

Team Dream Defenders

To make your donation go further—check if your company matches charitable gifts. https://www.lls.org/ways-help/employee-matching-gifts