It is my honor to say I have been presented with an opportunity to make a difference in the world. Along with my friend Nate Smith, I am competing in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)’s Student Visionary’s of the Year competition. LLS is a highly regarded nonprofit dedicated to:

• Raising funds for cutting-edge research leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine that are improving and saving the lives of patients

• Providing free education and support for blood cancer patients and families, including personalized, one-on-one support, assistance with identifying and enrolling in clinical trials, and more.

• Mobilizing thousands of advocates to drive policy changes that accelerate the development of new cancer treatments and break down barriers to care.

Cancer has been a very intrusive presence in my life. In December of 2020, I lost my aunt to breast cancer, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic was unable to say goodbye. She lived in Ireland while my family was stuck in Illinois, watching her funeral service over the internet.

That experience greatly affected me. It left me feeling angry and lost. But now, thanks to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, I have a chance to finally fight back against the disease that has taken the lives of so many.

By donating, you will be directly funding ways to combat Leukemia and Lymphoma that saves lives every year. I don’t want anyone else to have to say goodbye from overseas. I don’t want anyone else taken from us too soon. I don’t want cancer to ever win again.

So it’s time to fight.

For more information about LLS, please visit www.lls.org.