While my family sat around, hoping that the coming news was going to be less horrendous than we anticipated, we were forced to accept the fact that our closest friend has just been diagnosed with blood cancer.

On March 4th, 2019, my cousin Timmy Tusick was diagnosed with leukemia at 19 years old and was taking his first steps in the projected 3-year long recovery.

During my junior year of high school, I organized a fundraiser through my volleyball team to promote awareness of leukemia and raise money for the Tusick family. On October 3rd of that year, I had the honor of handing the Tusick family $3,000 after the game completed. Three days after, on October 6th, I had the honor of attending Light the Night held by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I was beautifully connected to thousands of people who have either survived the wrath of cancer themselves, know someone who fought/ is fighting, or who lost a loved one in their battle. After not knowing if Timmy was even going to survive on that week leading up to his diagnosis, it became my mission to help people in his situation and prevent it from happening in the future. 

I am honored to announce that I will be participating as a Team Leader in the 2021 Student of the Year (SOY) campaign for The Leukemia & and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Our team name, Team in the Arena, is representative of Theodore Roosevelt’s “The Man in the Arena” because his inspirational message promotes the same relentless work ethic we must dedicate to our fight against cancer. Even more special, this message was presented to me by Timmy Tusick himself.

Every year, LLS designates honored heroes to represent that year’s SOY campaign. This year, Timmy was chosen to stand as the honored hero as he takes his fight against leukemia head on! Not only are we fundraising in honor of him, but so is every other team! Although it is unfortunate that anyone on our team has felt the dreadful effects of blood cancer, we are blessed to have such an inspirational and unstoppable team member! Beyond Tim, every member of the Team is connected to cancer in one way or another, whether it be through family or friends. For this reason, we are beyond determined to surpass our opposing competition, and raise the most money in this fight against blood cancer- for Timmy!

Visiting Timmy after his diagnosis!

LLS is the largest funder in blood cancer research and in the last decade, over 40% of the cancer treatments and drugs came from LLS funded research, which is being used to treat blood cancer patients, breast and liver cancers, Multiple Sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s Disease! They provide free information, support, and help for those affected by blood cancer. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is committed to doing more for blood cancer patients and families than any organization in the world. Their mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, myeloma and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. SOY is a seven-week fundraising campaign that lasts from January 9th to February 27th, 2021. My team and I have made it our goal to raise $50,000 and in the fight for lives, every dollar counts! With your help, we can change the outcome of somebody’s life.

By donating, you support the many facets of their mission work from investing in groundbreaking research, providing education and support to patients, and advocating at the state and federal level for legislation to help those living with cancer. Together, we have the power, the passion, and the resolve to achieve a world without blood cancer. All donations are tax-deductible. I ask that you please help bring us one step closer to finding the cure, please pass this important message on to those close to you, and help us change what it means to be diagnosed with a blood cancer!