Happy New Year!

I am honored to participate in the 2020 Students of the Year program as a team member of team "Believe In A Cure". This program is a seven-week journey in which select high school students from all over the US participate in a fundraising competition to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org). I am proud to be raising critical dollars in honor of the many patient heroes who are currently battling blood cancers, or those currently in remission. Every donated dollar is a vote and the team that raises the most money at the end of the seven weeks is named LLS Student of the Year! Our mission is to not only raise the most funds, but also advocate awareness for blood cancers like Leukemia.

For me personally, blood cancer has touched a close family member and also a dear friend. My grandfather – Pappy Heisey – was first diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia known as Myelodysplastic Disorder Syndrome (MDS) in 2000 before I was even born. At that time, his team of doctors told him he could expect to live for only 5 more years. However, because of the advancements in blood cancer treatment and medicine that is often funded through LLS efforts, my Pappy lived for another 6 years! He would always joke and tell us that he is living ‘way past his expiration date.’ He sure did, and I was thankful for it.

In addition, our Nanny’s grandson whom I grew up with as a child was diagnosed with acute Leukemia, type B, in 2018. This was very difficult for him to experience, especially during his senior year of high school. Since his initial diagnosis, Kenny has undergone a very aggressive treatment plan where contact with friends and family was extremely limited. I am happy to share that today he is in remission with no signs of blood cancer and attending college too.

I realize that having my Pappy live much longer than expected AND seeing my friend survive his blood cancer treatment may never have happened without the annual fundraising efforts for LLS that support cancer research each year. For these reasons and many more, I ask you to consider joining my team to help us find a cure and end blood cancers for good.

Here are some Fun Facts on how LLS has helped cure blood cancers:

• Since the early 1960s, five-year survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled;
• Many LLS supported therapies not only help blood cancer patients but are helping patients with other cancers and serious diseases;
• Drugs first approved for blood cancers are now approved to treat patients with stomach cancers, skin cancers, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

We are changing the face of blood cancer! Will you consider making a donation and join our cause? All donations are greatly appreciated and tax deductible. Your generosity will not only support LLS-funded research, but also help to provide critical information and ongoing support to patients. LLS continually advocates for laws and programs to ensure that every cancer patient has access to the care and treatments they need. I encourage you to share my homepage with your friends who may consider making a contribution toward this cause.

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you so much for your support. It is truly appreciated by everyone involved. For more information about LLS, please visit our website often at www.lls.org.

With much love,

Sophie Banziger