I am extremely excited to let you all know that I will once again be working with LLS in the “Students of the Year” fundraising campaign. Last year, I sent out a letter when I was a member of Team No More Bad Blood, and I am more than happy to let you know that I was nominated to be a candidate of my own, personal team this year. This year’s Students of the Year fundraising competition will span from January 9th, 2021 to February 27th, 2021. I am super thrilled to be leading Team SOS (Serving Others and Saving Lives) in this year’s fundraising campaign, and my team and I have set a goal of raising $45,000. Ella is also running alongside my team and I as a team member.

            The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) is a charity that has been a prolonging funder to developing the cure to blood cancers since 1949. LLS attempts to shower blood cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones with increased hope and faith. The charity is aware of the troublesome obstacles of blood cancer and attempts to do anything they can in order to make these rough patches smoother. The charity supplies free and useful information to families about treatment and dealing with blood cancer in order to make the process far more manageable. Being a part of LLS is an amazing opportunity that I am extremely fortunate to have. I am very content with myself to be able to say that this charity gives me a way to contribute to society.

            Ella and I’s participation in this year's “Student of the Year” fundraising competition spurs from an event that presently hurts our family. Last year Ella and I were fortunate enough to not be experiencing any type of family illness. Yet, this year our family hit a block when we heard that our Great Uncle Chuck was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and our Great Aunt Margie was diagnosed with Vulvar Cancer. Uncle Chuck and Aunt Margie have always brought a light to the room when they walk in and they never fail to make people smile. Although Uncle Chuck and Aunt Margie are still themselves and continue to throw smiles across the room, cancer is a disturbing disease that nobody wants to contemplate. As a result of our Uncle Chuck and Aunt Margie’s health, Ella and I are inspired to work with LLS and truly aid others in their crises.

Every dollar raised equals one vote. The team that raises the most funds receives the title Student(s) of the Year.

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 the fight! 

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.

On behalf of blood cancer patients and their families everywhere, we sincerely thank you for your generous support!

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