I was 14 when Jackson was diagnosed with cancer. As his big sister, I was supposed to guide him through all the challenges he faced in life, but when it came to cancer, I had no idea how to navigate that. For so long, I felt helpless. All I could do was watch him fight for his life while still trying to be a teenage boy—figuring out how to do all the normal things boys do but with only half the energy of his friends.

This experience taught me a lot, especially about how cancer impacts an entire family. Cancer of any kind rarely affects just one person—it affects a whole community. Everyone, whether they played a big or small role in Jackson's everyday life, came together to support me, my parents, my brothers Mason and Grayson, and, most importantly, Jackson. My volleyball team supported Jackson, even though most of them had never met him. It was incredible to see how people could come together to support us. A meal train was organized, so every Wednesday, we had dinner provided. That simple gesture took so much off my parents’ plate and gave them one less thing to worry about. These are just a couple of examples, but so many more people helped throughout the 2½-year journey.

I learned so much during this time. I not only learned about leukemia but also about how many people are affected by it. I realized I want to help. I also learned that the community that surrounds you during difficult times becomes your true family. And perhaps the most important lesson: never take a moment for granted because you never know when life will change. Jackson went from playing football one day to facing the most challenging fight of his life the next.

Jackson, you showed me what it means to never give up and to never take life for granted. You showed up every day, even when you felt terrible. You got your schoolwork done whenever you could, played golf, and never stopped fighting. When you broke your leg a year into treatment, you didn’t let it stop you. Recovering while undergoing chemo and then returning to play football in 8th grade was truly inspiring. You played football despite every odd being stacked against you. That resilience motivates me every day to keep fighting for you and to be just a fraction as strong as you have been.

To give back to the community that supported us, I’ve decided to run for Student Visionary of the Year. This program challenges high school students to compete to see who can raise the most money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I’ve created a team that has been helping me throughout this process, and my goal is to raise $100,000 in just 7 weeks. I am so excited about the opportunity to share my story and create change. With your help, I know we can be the generation to end blood cancer once and for all.

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.