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.

Over my lifetime I have been told by my parents and grandparents the importance of generosity and giving to others. Recently, my older cousin John Friedrich from Texas asked me to join a team of students working with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.  I’m proud to be part of “Team Cure Chasers” with my Grandfather Ron, who lives in Indiana. Our team’s fundraising goal is to raise $75,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

My cousin’s interest in the fundraiser is personal. He has a friend who had leukemia and thankfully is currently cancer free. Her life has been changed permanently. In middle school, she was struck with leukemia. She can no longer participate in activities she loves, tennis and cheer. She cannot drive a car. During COVID, she was isolated due to her high risk. She is two years behind her original class. John wants to be part of finding a cure. He said, “When we find a cure, other costs go away.” The quality of everyone’s lives will improve. 

John, Ron, and I are asking you to help us reach the team goal by February 24.

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.