Dear Friends and Family,

As most of you know, two years ago, just days before Christmas, my younger brother Cody was diagnosed with childhood leukemia (T-Cell ALL). His fight began instantly as they rushed him to the PICU to lower his white blood cell count. My family was devastated as we learned about what his battle would look like for the first 28 days of treatment to be followed up with ongoing treatment for the next 3 ½ years. We learned a lot very quickly and realized right away that fighting this disease is no simple task, especially for an 11-year-old boy! However, scientific advancements have dramatically improved patient outcomes in recent years. Thanks to research, Cody was able to receive first-rate medical treatment. After an aggressive year of treatment in 2018, Cody started the “maintenance” phase of treatment.  He returned to school a year ago this week and is now in the middle of his 7^th grade year at Regents. He continues to take oral chemo from home every day and goes to the Blood and Cancer Clinic at Dell Children’s once a month. Cody’s prognosis would not be what it is today if it weren’t for the continuing efforts made by organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). 

This brings me to the reason for my letter. Anna Claire Long is a candidate for LLS’s 4^th annual Students of the Year Campaign. As a member of her fundraising team, I am asking you to consider making a donation to our campaign team. Over the next seven weeks (01/08/2020 – 02/28/2020), we are working to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This money will support LLS’s mission to find a cure for blood cancers and improve the quality of life of patients.

To make your tax-deductible donation you can visit my fundraising page: https://events.lls.org/ctx/austinsoy20/brobertla4

Click on the “Donation” button or you can mail in your donation by using the enclosed donation form and envelope. Please make your check out the “The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society” and write “’Brady Robert” in the memo section.

Your contribution will fund research such as that which saved my brother’s life. By supporting the many groups that are conducting research and spreading awareness, we can continue to make strides in finding a cure to this disease. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and for supporting me, Anna Claire, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and kids like Cody!!!!

All my best,

Brady Robert

2020 Students of the Year Team Member