Dear friends and family,

On February 14, 2018, tragedy struck Stoneman Douglas Highschool when 17 innocent lives were taken during a school shooting. In response, American youth joined forces and declared that support through "thoughts and prayers" were no longer enough. Nationwide, we collaborated to build the platform we never had and demanded change. Through walk-outs, protests, and widespread awareness, my peers and I were able to influence our current leaders and display the potential our generation has to make a difference. 

After being active in the movement against gun violence, I realized I didn't want to stop there. I wanted to continue dedicating my time to help others. Through research, I found Students of the Year. Students of the Year is a 7 week fundraising competition sponsored by the Leukemia and Lympoma Society in which students across Ohio compete to raise money for blood cancer patients and their families.

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, 

Rida Ali

My Team!

A picture of some of myself and my classmates who have joined me in the fight against cancers!

Light the night walk sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This event was humbling and I am so grateful to be part of such a positive and selfless community.