Hi! I am Mia Karakus. I am honored to say that this year, I am a candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign. I am blown away by this fantastic organization that helps millions of patients and their families around the globe. I have put together a strong team that will work together and support each other on our fundraising journey to reach our goal of $150,000. 

I find a "why statement" important to resemble your passion and commitment to the organization: My passion for LLS's mission to cure cancer stems from a personal connection I have to this cause since some of my family members have been affected by cancer. I believe in the power of community and want to help others live healthy lives to spend time with their loved ones and have the opportunity to be successful in any capacity. 

Below is a picture of the people who inspire me: my Grandma and Grandpa.

In addition, I have become highly intrigued by the research projects that LLS has funded. Please take a moment to review the research projects that LLS is funding to cure blood cancers. The Cathepsin G in Acute Myeloid Leukemia research project residing in North Carolina at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Cathepsin G is an enzyme within a person's immune system, and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a blood cancer affecting white blood cells. Researchers such as Gianpietro Dotti are trying to find a way to block Cathepsin G from reaching white blood cells and kill the cancerous cells.

*Click here to explore the many research projects LLS helps fund**

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 donating. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible. Please visit my website and tell friends who would like to donate!

I appreciate your support; my efforts will help ensure this generation is the last to see cancer.

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

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you!

Mia Karakus