I’m excited to share that I and my fellow co-candidates, Kayla and Jacqie, have decided to run for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Students of the Year. This is a 7-week philanthropic competition in which our team plans to raise awareness and fundraise for blood cancers. We have an ambitious goal of raising $50,000 between February 10th and March 31st.

I’m so honored to take part in this campaign and do my part to combat this terrible disease, as my grandmother and great uncle have combated and struggled with the illness. My participation is a way for me to give back and resonate with the struggles of my family. While my grandmother succumbed to multiple myeloma in 1999, my great uncle continues to thrive thanks to the medical advancements made possible by the research the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society supports. 

LLS has invested over $1.2 billion into cancer research since 1949, which has led to revolutionary advancements in the way we treat cancer. From the start of 2017 until today, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an incredible 53 blood cancer treatments. LLS helped advance 47 of those treatments at some point in their development journey. Nearly 90% of the advancement within blood cancers is from the involvement of LLS and their dedication to their mission.

These advancements have only been made possible because of people like you who have made generous donations in the past. Progress cannot be made on idle feet and we greatly appreciate your support. Please take some time and generosity to help me and my team towards our goal of ending blood cancers.