Dear Family and Friends,
I am honored to say that I am a candidate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) 2019 Collegiate of the Year campaign. I am asking for your support in my efforts to help LLS in its mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
On July 10, 2004, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). I underwent two major mediport import and export surgeries, nineteen spinal taps, countless peg shots and doctors’ visits, all while getting ready to start kindergarten. My treatment lasted about two and half years. This year will be my thirteenth year in remission. Now, I am a first-year student at Cleveland State University studying Environmental Studies and Pre-law.
On May 17th, 2018, my dad was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, four days before my high school graduation. Hearing this news broke my heart. It was a long road, preparing for college and attending all of my dad’s doctors’ appointments. Fortunately, he only required surgery, but it was scheduled for the week before my graduation party and we were unsure if he was going to be able to make it. It was a horrifying experience waiting to see my dad again after his surgery but he did great and made it to the party! He has now been in remission for eight months and is healthier every day!
I am so honored to be able to run in this campaign and to help those who have also been affected by blood cancer. Being alive and able to take on this role means so much to me. Knowing that I am now able contribute to save the life of someone who is in my position is truly inspiring.
Every dollar raised goes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to help those battling cancer. There are many ways to support my campaign:
- Make a tax-deductible contribution - Donations may be made via the enclosed form or on my personal fundraising webpage: Click "Donate Now". Check to see if your company participates in the company matching gift program! https://www.matchinggifts.com/lls/
- Attend an event – My team and I will be hosting a variety of events throughout the next 7 weeks. Watch for details via email, Facebook, and my webpage.
- Sponsor or attend the LLS Grand Finale on Friday, May 3rd. If you are interested in corporate sponsorship, advertising in the event program, or attending the gala, please return the attached donation form to me via email: billickyk@gmail.com.
- Spread the word - I would greatly appreciate your assistance to reach out to your friends, family and colleagues to share the mission of LLS, endorse my campaign, and ask for their support. It is through extended networks that we will be most successful in achieving the ultimate goal of increasing awareness of LLS and its mission.
Thank you for taking the time to getting to know a little bit about my mission to help end these cancers. If you have any questions about this fundraising campaign, please email me at billickyk@gmail.com.
Much Love, Thanks and Appreciation,
Kailey Billicky
