Dear Friends & Family,  

I want you to imagine hearing the three words, “You have cancer.”  

Sadly, this has been a reality for more than 1.3 million Americans who are fighting or are in remission from blood cancer. Almost every high school student wants the chance to partake in something that will change the world; in 2021, I will have that chance.  

I am very excited to share with you that I Sydney Wegis, and my hardworking team, will be participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Students of the Year program. Students of the Year is a 7-week philanthropic competition for high school leaders seeking to make an impact in the fight against cancer. This cause is incredibly important to me because blood cancer, specifically leukemia, is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in children and young adults 

Fortunately, on a personal level my immediate family has not been touched by blood cancer, however I have had relatives who have passed and suffered from cancer. It is my mission that this spring I would hopefully bring some ease to these resilient warriors, along with their families and friends. Throughout my life, I did not fully understand how cancer could completely affect and touch every aspect of someone's life. This changed when I was offered to be apart of LLS’s student of the year campaign. I was educated on not only Leukemia and Lymphoma, but stories of many local children and adults that have been fighting cancer. I hope to educate others on Leukemia and Lymphoma and show how anyone can help make a difference.  

Myself and my team's fundraising goal is to raise $25,000, between March 23rd and May 14th . It is a lofty goal, but I am determined to leave my mark on the fight against cancer to the best of my ability. I cannot achieve my goal alone, though; I need your help. There are a few ways you can support my fundraising efforts: 

• Make a tax-deductible donation to my online fundraising page Here!

• Mail a Check made payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) with my name in the memo section to: 102 Buxton Hill Dr. Bakersfield, CA.

• Share my message & fundraising link with your contacts via email or social media 

• Donate a silent auction item for the Grand Finale Celebration auction 

• Help me secure a corporate sponsorship (Sponsorships start at $2,500, and sponsors receive Grand Finale benefits)  

Not only is Students of the Year a great way to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), but it is also a great leadership experience for me. Being part of this campaign means so much to be, and I am proud to help my generation be the last to see cancer! 

I can’t wait to share the exciting updates of the next seven weeks with you. Stay tuned to see what my team and I can accomplish.  

Thank you for your support, 

Sydney Wegis  

P.S. Does your company have a matching gifts program that might be willing to match your donation?