I am honored to participate in the 2019 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 (LLS).

When a kid or adult hears the words “You have Cancer”, many thoughts start rushing through their heads: “how did this happen”, “why me”, “will I survive”. I would know, as I was diagnosed with cancer three years ago. My treatment consisted of ten months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. I have experienced, firsthand, all of the painful moments cancer treatment leaves on the body, as well as the many mental pains a cancer patient experiences. 

When I was offered the opportunity to raise money to aid LLS raise money to help patients fight cancer, I jumped at the opportunity. Having to go through chemotherapy or radiation is an agony I wish no one ever has to experience. My dream is to make sure no one has to ever go through what I went through, and if they sadly do, I wish that it is for the least amount of time possible. 

LLS is making that dream possible. 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.

I ask everyone who can to please donate! Every dollar counts and makes a tremendous difference!

All donations 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 refer 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.