On January 5, I had the honor of meeting this year’s LLS honored heroes. One boy, Tyler Crabtree, is 2 years post Leukemia. He is in the 3rd grade and is optimistic and an energetic 9 year old. His mother told us a story about how one of their friends, Kate, died of Leukemia at the age of 4. She also explained that the medicine that Tyler and all other blood cancer patients receive comes with many side effects that carry the possibility of other diseases in the future. The medicine that was used to first cure Leukemia is still used today. There have been no new medications, without the side effects, to cure Leukemia. With support from LLS, researchers can find new medicines to help children like Tyler avoid a future of possible life-threatening diseases.

Blood cancers are 40% of all childhood cancers. The stem cell transplants and chemotherapies used for blood cancers developed in the 1950’s and 60’s have not been updated since.The treatments children receive were originally developed for adults,which are not suited for a child’s body. The treatments cause physical and cognitive impairments and secondary cancers and diseases.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s new focus is to improve treatments for children and young adults with the help of the FDA, National Cancer Institute, pediatric scientists and physicians, medical and research centers, advocacy leaders, pharmaceutical companies, patients, and parents. They are working to gain support for patients and caregivers with resources and financial assistance, to expand research and develop pediatric cancer knowledge, and launch a master pediatric clinical trial. LLS is investing to accelerate the testing of medicine therapy through multi-therapy clinical trials and to conduct pre-clinical research such as the safety of the therapies.

Children are our future. They deserve the best possible odds to help them beat their illness. Meeting kids like Tyler Crabtree, who is 2 years post Leukemia, has driven me to do everything I can to help find a cure for blood cancer. His mother told some SOY members about one of Tyler’s friends, Kate, who died at the age of 4 from Leukemia. She had been cancer free after chemotherapy, but relapsed and passed away within a few days of the diagnosis. With your help, we can make sure no child loses their life to blood cancer.

Welcome to my 2019 Student of the Year Campaign website! My name is Maddie Tan and I am part of the Our Lady of Good Counsel Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Fundraising Team, GotCureage.

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. I am proud to be raising critical dollars in honor of a young patient hero who is currently battling or is in remission from a blood cancer. Each dollar is a vote. The candidate team that raises the most money at the end of the seven weeks is named Student(s) of the Year. Our mission is to not only raise the most money but also to bring attention to blood cancers like leukemia, which is the most common form of cancer in children and teens.

This campaign is very special to me because I know many people affected by cancer such as my great-grandmother, great uncle, and this year’s Honored Hero, Meaghan Kilner. Meaghan was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in January 2017 and relapsed in October 2017. She will receive chemotherapy until March of 2019. She attended my grade school, St. Elizabeth School, and was a role model for me within the community. I am also doing this campaign in honor of my great uncle, JIm McKenzie who is currently suffering from Leukemia and is doing chemotherapy. My great-grandmother, Nana, beat breast cancer and is thriving at the age of 92! She is one of my greatest role model and I want to honor her for being such a big inspiration for me and everyone around her. Nana, Uncle Jim, and Meaghan are fighters and inspirations that deserved to be honored.

I am doing this campaign not only in honor of my great-grandmother, great uncle, and Meaghan Kilner, but in honor of all the kids that are currently fighting or in remission from blood cancers. With your help, we can find a cure for blood cancers and make sure no one has to deal with these diseases again. 

I appreciate your time and interest in helping find a cure for blood cancer!

For a cure,

Maddie Tan