Dear Family and Friends, 

We have the privilege of being nominated as candidates for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) 2023 Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign. Student Visionaries of the Year is a seven-week leadership development program that runs from February 22nd to April 14th to raise money and advocate for LLS. We are writing today to ask for your support of our campaign and LLS’ mission to find a cure for blood cancers and improve the quality of life for patients. 

We have created a team of committed friends and family to partner with us on this journey. Together, we have set a fundraising goal of $150,000! All the money that is raised goes directly to the largest blood cancer research program in the nation, LLS, to fund cutting-edge research and treatments. In fact, the treatments that LLS is funding benefit non-blood cancer patients too. More than 40% of new cancer treatment drugs approved by the FDA since 2004 started as blood cancer drugs are now being applied in other forms of cancer. 

I, Hans Hoekstra, am a junior at Garces High School. I am running this campaign in honor of my cousin, Kristen Droogh-Martinez who is a Burkitt Lymphoma survivor. My family has been impacted by lymphoma and it is very important for me to raise funds and bring awareness to this organization.

I, Jack Gonzales, am a junior at Garces High School. I am running in honor of my grandmother, who battled breast cancer. LLS research brings treatments to Leukemia and Lymphoma patients, including those who deal with breast cancer. I’m excited and honored to be a part of the fight against blood cancer.

I, Ryan Surgener, am a junior at Garces High School. My family has also been impacted by blood cancer. My grandfather also battled leukemia. Later on, in life my aunt was diagnosed by Non-Hodgkin disease. I am passionate about bringing awareness and raising funds as well.

We are writing to you today to ask for your support of LLS’s mission to beating blood cancer. Our campaign begins on February 22nd and ends April 14th.  Every dollar that is raised will help us reach our goal of $150,000. Your donation is tax-deductible, and goes directly to LLS which supports patients, families, and research with the goal of life without blood cancer.  We thank you in advance for partnering with a campaign so close to our hearts, and please remember, every bit of support counts.
There are several ways to make your tax-deductible contribution by: April 14, 2023

• Mail a check made payable to 'LLS' to: LLS 9530 Hageman Rd. Suite B #541 Bakersfield CA 93312 (Please ensure Jack, Hans, Ryan or Team 661 is notated in the memo line)
• You can also make a contribution right here on this page!

We appreciate your contribution and support to Team 661.

Sincerely,
Jack, Hans & Ryan

To make your donation go further—check if your company matches charitable gifts. https://www.matchinggifts.com/lls/