The UCSF visit was inspiring! After touring the LLS funded research lab, we talked with two oncology/hematology doctors researching cures for blood cancer. One doctor analyzes the DNA of cancer cells for developing better treatments. Another doctor is working on a vaccine that would be given to those who have leukemia to activate T cells to attack cancer cells. It was exciting to see our donation dollars at work! It is encouraging to see the advancements being made toward finding a cure! 

                                      

 

I'm excited to be joining the other candidates and LLS Staff at the UCSF blood cancer lab on Thursday. We will see research projects directly funded by LLS. Your donations are making a difference. Thank you for being part of our important cause! I will post pictures after our visit. Have the best day ever!

 

  

 

I am honored to participate as a Candidate for the 2020 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. In addition to raising critical dollars in honor of a young patient hero who is currently battling a blood cancer, I am raising money to end blood cancers in my lifetime.  Each dollar is a vote. The team that raises the most money at the end of the seven weeks is named Student of the Year. My mission is not only to 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.

                                              

                                    

This cause is very close to my heart. When I was 3 1/2 I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I underwent invasive chemotherapy and was put on a study supported by cancer research funds. At 7 years old I had completed my treatment and began recovery from the harsh cancer drugs. Throughout the whole experience I remained optimistic even during the most difficult times, frequently declaring, "This is the best day ever!" This has become a motto for me and for my supporters over the years. Now I am continuing my fundraising legacy with Dylan's Heroes, as we have raised over $80,000 for cancer research over the last thirteen years. Declared fully cured just this summer, I am one of the lucky survivors. I have personally benefited from the research and treatments developed by LLS, and do not take my good health for granted. I am a dedicated student and athlete, signed to play college baseball next fall. This campaign gives me one last chance to make an impact as a high schooler and I will gladly accept any help that I can get! 

                                           

Since the early 1960s, five-year survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. And many LLS supported therapies not only help blood cancer patients but are helping patients with other cancers and serious diseases. In fact, drugs first approved for blood cancers are now approved to treat patients with stomach cancers, skin cancers, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

We really are changing the face of blood cancer!

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.

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

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

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