I am honored to announce that my team Tigers Together was nominated to work with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), and raise funds for the “Students of the Year” campaign. Working with my partner, Julia Ashkettle, we hope to make a difference in blood cancer research by raising money to aid those battling cancer all around the country. The competition will start on January 9, 2021, and will end on February 27, 2021. Every dollar is equivalent to one vote, and the team that raises the most funds receives the title Student(s) of the Year. Our team, Tigers Together, hopes to lead the way in this year's competition.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has been working to raise money since 1949. Today, LLS has invested nearly $1.3 billion dollars to advance cancer research. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has also played a significant role in pioneering today’s approaches to blood cancer. Blood cancer is the number one most diagnosed form of childhood cancer and nearly 1.4 million people are living with or in remission from blood cancer. However, LLS has worked tirelessly in its efforts to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma. LLS has contributed to advancing 57 of 66 FDA-approved blood cancer treatments since 2017. Moreover, The Leukemia Lymphoma Society contributes to the lives of cancer survivors, along with those in their battle with cancer, everyday. 

This cause is one close to my heart as I have had multiple encounters with blood cancer in my lifetime. I first witnessed the impacts of blood cancer when my cousin Kara was diagnosed with Leukemia during her sophomore year of high school. Through weekly visits to the hospital, I watched as Kara fought her battle with cancer. Luckily, Kara entered remission about two years later. Throughout her time in the hospital, she taught me perseverance, strength, courage, and most importantly how to remain positive in tough situations. Kara surprised me more every single time I saw her, as she almost always was lively and her contagious personality shined despite the situation. My second encounter with blood cancer occurred when my close friend, Julius, was diagnosed with Leukemia our freshman year of high school. Julius was able to enter remission in just over a year. Despite his tough battle, he was able to bounce back and showed true maturity, resilience, and strength throughout his battle. They are truly an inspiration to me everyday.

Through firsthand experience, I was able to see battles with blood cancer and its impact. I recognize how life-changing this disease can be for family and friends. Therefore, I hope I am able to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients both locally and nationally. Hopefully, through donations to advanced cancer research, we will be the last generation to witness blood cancer. 

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 can make a true difference in cancer research and work toward a world without blood cancer. All donations are tax-deductible.

We sincerely thank you for your generous support!

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

Sincerly, 

Owen