Dear Friends and Family,

As we witness the devastation caused by the California wildfires, our hearts go out to our affected communities. These events remind us of how life can change in an instant. We also see the power of communities coming together to help those who need it most. This includes supporting blood cancer patients, who are facing even greater challenges right now.  

I have the privilege of being a team member for Quest for LLS as part of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) 2025 Gold Coast Student Visionaries of the Year—a seven-week leadership development program running from February 6th to March 28th. I am reaching out to ask for your support in advancing LLS’s mission to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families.

In response to the unprecedented devastation of the California wildfires, every dollar raised through LLS’s 2025 Student Visionaries of the Year and Visionaries of the Year Campaigns in the Greater Los Angeles and Southern California Regions will stay in the Southern California area to provide continued support for the blood cancer community, including patients, caregivers, and researchers, with a goal to raise more than $5,000,000.

I am part of a team of committed friends and family to support Sohan Mirpuri and Ishaan Thakker as we strive to reach our fundraising goal of $250,000. Our candidate team is particularly passionate about patient support and will be representing this area of LLS during 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. 

Earlier this summer, I had the privilege of volunteering at Kaiser Permanente, where I worked as a nurse on a cancer patient floor. During my time there, I developed meaningful connections with patients, and tragically, one of my new acquaintances passed away from lung cancer. The loss of such an incredible person deeply impacted me and strengthened my resolve to make a difference—especially for those battling blood cancers and other life-threatening diseases. My experience with Kaiser Permanente was invaluable, and I am determined to continue making an impact through my work with LLC. My campaign will support LLS's critical work, accelerating research and improving access to treatment to give patients more years of life. With your help, I can reach my goal and directly impact 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 and can be made online using the QR code or via check using the enclosed donation form. 

Until Cure,

Mikash Melwani

To make your donation go further—check if your company matches charitable gifts. 

https://www.lls.org/ways-help/employee-matching-gifts