“Mommy has cancer”.

No child should ever hear those words. They should be carelessly playing on the playground with friends, making jokes at carpool about the cute girl in class, or making messes in science instead of worrying about whether or not they will grow up with their mom by their side. But in 2008, my mom was diagnosed with Stage 3 Rectal Cancer. 

From now until the end of February, I am participating in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Students of the Year program. This seven-week initiative focuses on spreading awareness for the work that LLS does to support cancer patients and their families and to support advancements in cancer research. Both emotional support of patients and cancer research is extremely important to me personally because of my own family’s experience with cancer.

Funding for research is critical to advancing treatments to wipe out cancer. My mom was part of an early clinical trial at MD Anderson that helped save her life. That clinical trial utilized some drugs originally researched and approved for the treatment of other cancers. Many LLS supported therapies not only help blood cancer patients but are helping patients with other cancers and serious diseases as well.  LLS has supported research for 45 of the 51 FDA approved blood cancer treatment options since 2017. Many of these drugs will be approved to treat other cancers and diseases.

Peer mentoring programs that match current cancer patients with those who have traveled a similar path are extremely important. This is critical to the well-being and mental health of those fighting cancer and has been well documented in medical literature to be one of the BEST forms of support a patient can receive to help reduce anxiety, fear, loneliness, and depression. LLS provides a peer match/mentoring program to patients and families right here in Fort Worth and nationally as well. 

It is vital to raise awareness so that LLS patients and their families KNOW there is somewhere to turn for support. Raising awareness and support for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society today helps make a difference RIGHT NOW for those facing a cancer diagnosis and strives toward a world without cancer. 

Will you join me in fighting cancer by sharing my page with your friends and family and by thoughtfully considering how you might be able to help with a donation?

You can also help make a difference by sharing my fundraising page with your friends and family. https://events.lls.org/ntx/ftworthsoy20/sgrubbs

Any donation, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated. 

From my family to yours - thank you for your consideration.

Gratefully - Spencer Grubbs

For more information about LLS or my campaign, please visit www.lls.org or email me at sgrubbs01@gmail.com.