Hello, everyone! My name is Hana Yang, and I am honored to be nominated as a candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's 2020 Students of the Year program. I am 16 years old and am a sophomore (10th Grade) at Parkland High School. With the help of strong team members from around the community, I will be running a seven-week campaign, from January 12th to February 29th, 2020, with the goal to raise the most funds out of the Eastern Pennsylvania region. 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.

Cancer in all forms has a devasting impact on all of our lives, whether directly or indirectly. Personally, I have seen the impact and hardships of cancer through my family and friends, as many of you most likely have as well. Before I was born, my grandfather tragically lost his battle to Stage 4 lung cancer. Moreover, my grandmother is a proud survivor of breast cancer, and my aunt is currently fighting against Stage 3 breast cancer. Seeing the impact of cancer within my family motivated me to take initiative and continue their legacy of perseverance. While planning and preparing for this campaign, I was so fortunate to have gotten the opportunity to meet amazing individuals who have taught me that although cancer may unexpectedly take over people's lives, perseverance and endurance can overcome cancer with support. This is the reason why I decided to join LLS, who provides tremendous support and research, to ultimately find a cure to all blood cancers. 

What can I do to make an impact at a young age, but most importantly, directly help someone's life? This is the question that motivated me to take this initiative. Seeing true heroes, like our little warrior Aurora (pictured below) to older individuals have helped me learn so many important lessons that I would have never been able to understand without this experience.

I am truly passionate about this cause, and having your support would be amazing. All donations are greatly appreciated, and no amount is too small! Every bit counts! Please spread the word by reaching out to your own contacts and asking them to support this amazing cause!

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you for your support!

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

Sincerely,

Hana Yang, 2020 Student of the Year Candidate