Dear Family and Friends,
Five years ago, I was diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease. In second grade, I stopped growing. Along with that, my facial features changed, my personality changed, and my body was being denied very important hormonal hormones that a healthy person needs. After seeing multiple doctors, going to multiple hospitals, and being given multiple diagnoses, I was diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease five years later. I was told that there was a non-cancerous tumor producing excess cortisol on my pituitary gland, which had been blocking important hormones, such as the growth hormone. I had brain surgery to remove this tumor, and my old self slowly came back. I began growing again, my personality came back, and I looked like I had looked like before Cushing’s Disease. Throughout this time period, I really was able to see how important anyone’s experience can be in any medical situation. It was so frustrating not having been able to find a diagnosis, going from doctor to doctor, medication to medication. Having three grandparents affected by cancer, one in remission, one currently in treatment, and one having passed away, I have an even more personal connection towards cancer and sickness. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society states that “An estimated combined total of 174,250 people in the US are expected to be diagnosed with Leukemia, Lymphoma, myeloma in 2018”. They further state that “... every 3 minutes one person in the US is diagnosed with a blood cancer” and “every 9 minutes, someone dies from one”. After reading these facts, I was overcome with a feeling of wanting to help these people in any way possible, because I know personally how terrible it can be to feel as if you will never be healthy, or will never find hope. By donating towards LLS, you are donating towards the research and treatment of millions of people affected by Leukemia, Lymphoma, and myeloma.

I have been nominated as a 2020 Students of the Year Candidate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). This is a seven week fundraising campaign that lasts from January 19th-March 10th. My team, ​Living Pure for A Cure, ​and I are both steadfastly reaching towards our goal of $50,000 and would absolutely love your support!!

I am writing today to ask for your support of ​Living Pure for A Cure ​by making a charitable donation to LLS via my fundraising website https://events.lls.org/epa/phillysoy19/wfleitas​. All donations are 100% tax deductible. LLS’s tax ID number is 13-5644916. I hope you will respond with an interest in helping ​Living Pure For A Cure a​ nd our goal of reaching $50,000 to help the thousands of people fighting Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma and many other cancers every day.

Why help LLS you might ask? LLS has been able to raise 1.2 billion dollars for cancer research in their 70 year history. Having had Cushings, a rare disease that oftentimes takes up to five years to diagnose, having people interested in raising awareness and finding a cure to just any disease or cancer is so touching and impactfultowards both myself, but as well as the thousands of people fighting cancer every day. By donating towards ​Living Pure for a Cure,​ you are not just donating towards cancers limited to Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma, but you are donating towards brain, lung, prostate and breast cancers as well by funding both medication and research. Many researchers often say it is easier to study blood than a solid tumor, and it is for this reason that LLS is a leading figure in the cancer arena! LLS is also the leading source of free education and support services for patients, with LLS being able to engage with over 18,000 patients and caregivers through their free call center, educating them regarding their illness and certain treatment options. I think this is so crucial in today’s society, due to the fact that often times people who are plagued with these illnesses are unable to afford proper health care, lacking the important health education services many others enjoy. Not only this, but by donating you are opening the doors towards new discoveries for other cancers and illness around the world as well. As stated by LLS, “ Last year alone, there were 18 new treatments approved by the FDA for blood cancer patients; LLS supported 15”.

Like LLS, team​ Living Pure For A Cure​ is dedicated to finding a CURE! Thank you so much for your generosity and your thoughtfulness regarding all of the people fighting for their lives, hoping that one day, their life will be cancer free. Wouldn’t that be great if you had contributed towards a person’s second chance at living life happy, healthy and pain free?

Sincerely, Waring Fleitas on behalf of Team Living Pure for the Cure

P.S. → Does your company have a matching gift program that might be willing to match your donation? Before the campaign has even started, our team has already secured $5,000 towards our campaign!! Please reach out if you want to hear about other ways to get involved as well, and thank you once again for your consideration!!

Please visit our website often and bring friends who would also like to donate!

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