The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's mission is to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. LLS does this through their mission pillars which are research, patient education and support, and policy and advocacy.

As you will find out LLS is a cause that is very near and dear to my heart, which is why I have created a goal of $25,000 and a stretch goal of $100,000.

Why did I get involved with LLS?

The main reason why I got involved with LLS was because of my Great Aunt Sue. She was diagnosed with Lymphoma and had undergone treatment, but unfortunately passed away in 2018. At the time of Aunt Sue's diagnosis my family and I didn't know about LLS, the amazing research that they have done, and all the services to help patients and their families, which is why I have chosen to focus on the patient education and support pillar. Everyone should be able to have access to services that can help them during such a difficult time. This is also why I chose to name my team Suzie's Angels, in memory of my Great Aunt Sue. I have also had three other family member affected by cancer; two of whom are survivors and unfortunately one other who passed away. I want to continue to work hard for this cause in order to help patients and families in their time of need, and to help find a cure for blood cancer.

How long have I volunteered with LLS for?

I have been volunteering with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, since my freshman year of high school.  I have volunteered with LLS at their Light the Night Walk every year since my freshman year, and walk in rememberance of my Great Aunt Sue and also to honor my other family members who have been affect by this disease. Once I heard about LLS's Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign I was very excited to get more involved with this amazing charity and to raise as much money possible for cancer patients.

What are Student Visionaries?

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 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!