I am honored to participate as a candidate for the 2021 Students of the Year program, a seven-week initiative in which select high school students from around the country participate in a fundraising competition to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The candidate team that raises the most money at the end of the seven weeks is named Student of the Year. Our mission is to not only raise the most money but also to bring attention to blood cancers like leukemia, which is the most common form of cancer in children and teens.

I have created a team of committed friends and family to partner with me on this journey. Together, we have set a fundraising goal of $30,000! Through this campaign we will be honoring those who have battled blood cancers and raising money that will go 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. 

Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children under the age of 20 and has impacted my family over the years in a variety of ways - most recently when one of my National Charity League classmates was diagnosed for the second time. Elena’s strength and attitude in the face of grueling radiation and exhaustive chemotherapy treatments is inspiring. There is a quote we love that says "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." While Elena has had to adjust her sails more than any kid should have to, she's navigating it with incredible heart and perseverance. The good news is that thanks to research and access to better treatments, survival rates for many blood cancer patients have quadrupled since 1960. My campaign will provide support to the critical work of LLS in hopes that one day no one will have to grow up without the ones they love. 

I know that with your help, I can reach my goal and make a direct impact in the fight against these heartbreaking blood cancers.  All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. They'll not only support LLS-funded research but will help provide critical information and support for patients, and support advocacy for laws to ensure patients can access the care and treatments they need.

I appreciate your contribution to Team NW Cancer Slayers and our campaign to find a cure for this horrible disease.

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