I am honored to be selected as a candadite for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

My father, David McIlvaine, was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin's-Lymphoma in 2001 when I was a newborn. Although I was too young to remember, I have heard countless stories of how the LLS foundation has helped bring light into what was a dark time and was inspired by my two uncles to join this campaign.  When my father had cancer, they shaved their heads to stand with my father, and I hope to embody their acts of solidarity during my campaign. 

For me, saying “yes” to Students of the Year is very easy. I was amazed at the stories we heard from friends and the large number of friends who wanted to be a part of our campaign to thank LLS for all the lives they have touched and saved that means so very much to each of us.

Since the early 1960s, five-year survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. And many LLS supported therapies not only help blood cancer patients but are now approved to treat patients with rare forms of stomach and skin cancers and non cancerous diseases. These treatments are even being tested in clinical trials for patients with a range of cancers including lung, brain, breast and pancreatic cancers.

From January 26th to March 15th of  2019, I am committed to achieving our goal of raising $50,000!I am supported by an incredible team of dedicated and energetic team members: Miles 4 the Cure.

Please help take part in our fight and consider donating to LLS. Together we will make a difference! 

Dear friends and family,

I am honored to be a team member and support  the 2019 Students of the Year program, a seven-week initiative in which select high school students from the Greater Cleveland area participate in a fundraising competition to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

This year, I am raising funds in honor of Jane, a local blood cancer survivor. On October 9, 2015 Jane woke up with a lump on her neck that continued to grow through out the day. Later, an x-ray showed that she had a mass and was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She was rushed to the Cleveland Clinic where she immediatly started chemo. Despite a relapse, fertility treatment, radiation and a stem cell transplant, Jane has been in remission since December 2016! 

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

Like The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I believe that beating cancer is in our blood. Cancer is a bully, but I am not afraid to stand up and fight. I invite you to stand with me and join my fight! My 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. 

Together, we really are changing the face of blood cancer!

All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. They'll not only support LLS-funded research but will help provide critical information and support for patients, and support advocacy for laws to ensure patients can access the care and treatments they need.

Please visit our website often and bring friends who would also like to donate!

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

Sincerely,