Dear Friends and Family,

This year I am beyond excited to be apart of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) “Student of the Year” campaign. This campaign is a fundraising competition for high school students throughout the Cleveland area. The campaign runs from January 26, 2019 until March 15, 2019. Together, my team and I are determined to reach our goal of raising $17,000.

We are working towards the same goal: finding a cure for blood cancer.

Unfortunately, every three minutes someone is diagnosed with blood cancer, joining the 1.2 million Americans who are battling. Since the 1960’s, 5-year survival rates for blood cancer has doubled, tripled, and even quadrupled with new research. Since 2017, LLS has donated $1.2 billion in cutting-edge research, helping to fund 15 of the 18 FDA approved treatments for blood cancer treatments.  This vital research not only benefits blood cancer patients, but also advancements for other cancers and serious diseases. Even with all the research, 33% of blood cancer patients do not survive five years after diagnosis, proving that more research is needed, and it is needed now.

An average of 3,679 children and young adults are diagnosed with leukemia each year. Unfortunately, my cousin Hawken Hunt was one of them. On August 5, 2016 at seven months old, my cousin became the only known infant to be diagnosed with Burkitt’s leukemia. Hawken remained in the hospital for 148 days and came home in January of 2017. He currently goes to the Cleveland Clinic for monthly check ups and has thankfully remained in remission since his homecoming. He is my motivation and my drive. Without the research done, a light in my family would have been dimmed and I can not even fathom him gone, nor should I have to. 

I invite you to join my team, The Brave Believers, and me in the fight to end blood cancer. If you would like to be a part of making a difference, please consider donating to my team. 

Also, please spread the word. Many people around us are affected by cancer of all kinds. Whether it be someone close to you, or a complete stranger, you can make an impact on their life. Together, my team and LLS are committed to fighting against blood cancer, and we sincerely hope you join the fight with us.

Sincerely,

Bre Hunt Magersupp & The Brave Believers

2019 Student of the Year