Today more than a million Americans are fighting a daily battle with blood cancers. Unfortunately, the numbers only continue to grow: every 4 minutes another person unwillingly joins the fight. I have been given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the battle and help those living with blood cancers. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has nominated me as a candidate in their “Students of the Year” fundraising challenge, and I could not be more honored to make a real difference in the lives of so many patients suffering from blood cancer. I am proud to lead my campaign team and work towards our goal to raise $56,000 during the next 7 weeks - from January 16th to March 6th.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the largest donor to blood cancer research in the nation. I am honoring those who have battled blood cancers and raising money that will go directly to LLS in support of its longstanding mission to find a cure and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Along with my team, I will work to increase awareness about the true impact of blood cancers and the brand new treatments that are currently being researched.

12 years ago, on January 30, 2008, my Aunt Kathy was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, a currently incurable blood cancer. A single mother with two children aged 5 and 7, my aunt knew she needed to stay healthy for her boys. After finding out that her cancer was not responding to IV treatment, my Aunt Kathy only had one other option: oral chemotherapy. This more “convenient” form of chemo came at a high price and without the generosity of LLS, my aunt would not be where she is today. The resources, support, and even financial backing LLS provided to my aunt during this time was a huge contributor to her current health. My Students of the Year campaign is in honor of my Aunt Kathy.

Even with my family’s positive story, many others are not as lucky. Leukemia still causes more deaths than any other cancer among children under the age of 20. My campaign provides an opportunity to support the necessary work of LLS in fighting these diseases.

If you would prefer to mail your donation, please use the enclosed donation slip and pre-addressed envelope. Please make your check payable to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and print “Juliana Kriner” in the “Memo” section. The deadline for receiving contributions is February 27th. Please note: your donations are tax deductible! Aside from monetary donations, we would love to hear from you or someone you know who would be willing to donate goods or services for auction items, sponsorships, ads, or other possible fundraising opportunities. Any contribution at all to this worthy effort will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,
Juliana Kriner
2020 Student of the Year Candidate