I am excited to be a member of Jacqie Gordon, Kayla Hayashi, and Will Stauffer’s team for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Students of the Year Campaign. This is a 7-week fundraising competition for high school students to raise funds for cancer research, patient care, as well as awareness for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and many other forms of cancer. The team to earn the most funds will be awarded with the title of Students of the Year.

In my family, both of my grandfathers were diagnosed with prostate cancer. Thankfully, my grandfather Ron Neale has been cancer-free for 10 years now,  but my other grandfather Frank Rice has continued to battle for 15 years. I have lost both my great aunt and uncle to other cancers. Both were extremely strong and wonderful people who have inspired me to take part in this program and do my part for cancer research and aid.

Since the early 1960s, five-year survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. LLS has invested nearly $1.3 billion dollars towards blood cancer research and has helped fund 46 of the 53 new FDA approved treatments in just the last 3 years alone. Blood cancer research leads to treatment advancements for many other cancers and diseases, including prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and Multiple Sclerosis. They also provide support for those affected with therapy, caregivers, and educational programs.

All contributions are tax deductible. 

Any donations are extremely appreciated. On behalf of myself and everyone else involved in the fight, thank you so much for your generosity and part in combatting this epidemic. 

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