As a global leader in the fight against blood cancer, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (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.

I was nominated to participate in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign, and I am a candidate for Team Rays of Hope with eight amazing peers. Through our campaign, we are supporting LLS' mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma while improving the quality of life for patients and their families. LLS achieves its goal through its three mission pillars: research, patient support, and policy & advocacy.

As someone who is passionate about giving back to the community and helping those in need, accepting the offer to be a part of this program was a no-brainer for me. I was lucky enough to see my cousin participate in the 2023 Campaign, and the impact she was able to make with her team was incredible to watch. After learning more about LLS' mission, I was able to foster a connection of my own to their efforts. I have first-hand experienced the impact a cancer diagnosis can have on a family, and it is not easy. I have family members who have been diagnosed with cancer throughout the past couple of years, and by taking part in this amazing organization, I am hoping to honor those I have lost or have been a part of this fight.

Through my participation in this amazing organization, not only am I honoring family and friends who have been diagnosed, but we are also honoring our 2024 Honored Hero, Rajan Patel. He is a freshman in high school who has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Through LLS and campaigns like this, Rajan can get the proper treatment and support he needs to beat his fight against cancer.

Hello! My name is Sarah Tadesse! I am an 11th grade Bioscience Student at Wheaton High School and a Medical Assistant Student at Thomas Edison High School of Technology. My enrollment in classes like these has furthered my interest in medicine and research, as I hope to work in the medical field in the future. Aside from my participation in various in-school organizations, I will have been a part of the Wheaton High School Tennis Team for my second season this school year. Through my involvement in school organizations and LLS, I have gained a significant amount of leadership skills and have had the opportunity to develop new friendships. Outside of school and LLS, I have a passion for photography, reading, baking, and spending time with my friends and family.

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 vision of a better world - one without blood cancers.

Please consider joining this fight by making a donation. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible.

Please tell friends and companies who would also like to donate! I appreciate your support in my efforts to help ensure my generation is the last to see cancer. On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you!

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