This year, I’m proud to be a part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign, working to raise as much as possible for LLS’s mission.

I am extremely passionate about fundraising for LLS because for me, it's personal. Three days before Christmas in 2023, my older brother Joe was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  When I first found out, my heart was broken.  Growing up, Joe was always my best friend.  I always looked up to him, idolized him, and admired him for who he was.  We definitely had our brotherly fights, but we always had each other's backs. To know that he was going to have to put up such a significant fight over the course of several years was something that I had a hard time dealing with.  

I honestly didn't know what the treatment was going to be like for someone with B-cell ALL.  When we first learned how long his treatment was going to be, I realized that this was going to change all of the plans he had.  Joe was applying to colleges, hoping to play football and that was all stripped away from him.  In a year that is supposed to be one of the happiest for a teenager (turning 18, going to prom, senior baseball season, graduation), I knew it was going to be a major struggle for him physically and emotionally.  Over the course of this last year, he's had to deal with constant treatments, side effects that no one should have to endure, and changes to his appearance, energy and mood.  But in true 'Joe' fashion, he has once again has amazed me every step of the way. His strength, his positive attitude and his faith have carried him through.  I am extremely proud of my big brother Joe, and I will continue to look up to him for the person that he is.  I want to honor him by doing everything I can to give back to patients who are also fighting for their lives, just like Joe.  

Visionaries look to the future—and see infinite possibilities.
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.

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.

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.

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you! #standwithsgriz

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