Hello! My name is Carly Kendeigh. I am a sophomore at Omaha Burke High School. Recently the Leukemia Lymphoma Society asked that I become a Nebraska candidate for their annual Student of the Year fundraising campaign. This campaign (SOY) is an opportunity for high school students across the country to raise money to fund research to fight and cure blood cancers. I am so grateful for the opportunity to help with this worthy cause. Initially, I was excited to be selected and thought this could be a wonderful leadership opportunity. The chance to help fight cancer is a very important issue for me. I lost my grandmother to cancer and am eager to help fight this disease in any way that I can.

As I prepared for the campaign, I have heard stories from blood cancer survivors who would not be alive to tell their success stories without the research and treatments that LLS has funded. These stories have made the campaign even more meaningful to me. One such story is that of Nebraska’s Honored Hero for the 2020 campaign, Caysen Courtright. Caysen, now age 3, was less than 2 years old when diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After more than a year of treatments, Caysen is in remission. He is still fighting his battle against this disease and has years of treatments ahead of him. He and his family are grateful for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s research funding and family support.

Caysen’s daily battles and bravery inspire me. I am so honored to be able to help him and other children and adults with blood cancers. I have named my campaign “Hope Happens” because my driving mission is to make hope possible for people with blood cancers -- hope for a cancer free life. And I’m hoping you will help me do that.

I am asking for a donation to my campaign for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Every dollar I earn is a vote for me, but more importantly that money will help researchers continue to battle blood cancers with cutting edge research and treatments. I will be collecting donations from January 12 to March 1. The easiest way to donate is to just visit my donation page: https://events.lls.org/ne/nebraskasoy20/ckendeigh

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.

I thank you in advance for your generosity and support.

Hope Happens!