Hi everyone, my name is Ryan Ross, and I am a sophomore at New Canaan High School. Together with my friends and classmates, we are participating in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Student Visionaries of the Year Fundraiser. We have set a goal of raising $100,000 to put towards cancer treatments to those less fortunate and further research into cancer treatment. However, I'm here not only to raise money; I'm doing it in honor of my grandfather (above), who was taken by Lymphoma four years ago. 

Lao Ye (in Chinese, 姥爷, in English, Grandpa) to me was an inspiration, a role model, someone who I could look up to even from halfway across the world. Even though it was hard for him to be physically there, we always found a way to bridge the 13-hour time difference and truly become close to him. He was right by our sides when both my sister and I were born, and we even made it to China to pay him a visit as well. 

Throughout his lifetime, Lao Ye never failed to inspire those he was around. He managed to transform from a farmer living barely above the poverty line to a successful army officer turned engineer in the bustling city of Xi'an. He worked nearly his entire life to provide for his wife and three children. He managed to send all three to college, and even one to law school in America! 

Lao Ye made friends wherever he went; he was caring, hardworking, and could fix absolutely everything! He loved to travel the world and take photos of his friends and family. Even though he couldn't speak English, he still managed to become friends with my father and those he met when he visited us in the states. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was diagnosed with stage III Lymphoma in early 2018. He passed away later that year, with his kids and wife of forty years by his side. His life of hard-work and dependability has inspired me to join the fight against Cancer and raise money for LLS in his name.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has invested over $1.5 Billion into cancer research since 1949 and has been actively involved in advancing 70% of the last 110 FDA-approved blood cancer treatments in the last six years, in addition to being committed to providing resources and patient support for thousands of cancer patients. In 2021, LLS provided $241 million in financial assistance to 42,000 patients, especially in areas where the needs of people who are disproportionately neglected, such as rural residents and people of color. 

Please consider joining this fight by making a personal donation. All donations are greatly appreciated and fully tax-deductible (LLS designated a 501(c)(3) organization). Also, please spread the word! Even if you are unable to donate, simply spreading the message is fundamental to us reaching our goal. If you are a business owner or have social media of any kind, please reach out, as we would love to collaborate! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach me at ryanharryross@gmail.com or at my cell, 917-936-6108. Thank you so much!

Visionaries look to the future—and see infinite possibility.
They challenge the status quo—and make the impossible possible.
They boldly imagine a better world – and lead the charge to create it.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was built on that same vision - of a better world - one without blood cancers.

I am a visionary; I have a vision for a world without cancer, but I need your help.

This year, I’m proud to be a part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign, working to raise as much as possible for LLS’s mission.

As a global leader in the fight against blood cancer, LLS:

• Funds cutting-edge research leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine that are improving and saving the lives of patients
• Provides 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.
• Mobilizes thousands of advocates to drive policy changes that accelerate the development of new cancer treatments and break down barriers to care.

Please consider joining this fight by making a donation. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible. Please visit my website often and tell friends who would also like to donate!

Thanks to your support, my efforts will help ensure this generation is the last to see cancer.

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you!

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