Hello family, friends, and community!

I am honored to announce that I, along with a select group of high school students across the nation, have been nominated to run for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Students of the Year campaign and will be representing the Orange County and Inland Empire Chapter. Students of the Year is a 7 week fundraising campaign where students raise money and awareness for blood cancer research and patient assistance. LLS’ is the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and is dedicated to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Although it is hard for me to recall my childhood struggle with thalassemia, which can turn into leukemia, since I was so little, my parents can vividly remember all of the scary details.  When I was 2 years old I had a near death experience when the oxygen levels in my blood were so low causing my already existent pulmonary issues to worsen. It took some time but I eventually recovered but that wouldn’t be the end of it for my family. Shortly after, my Great Grandma passed away from a form of Leukemia as well as my Papa whose medical issues were all complicated by a platelet disorder, my older sister has Aplastic anemia, Thrombocytopenia and epilepsy. Also, all the members of my immediate family are all silent carriers of thalassemia. My goal is to raise a minimum of $10,000 and hopefully stretch my goal to up to $50,000 so I can link my team name with cutting edge LLS-funded research. I have named our team Cha-money 4 a Cause. I’m so passionate to hit these goals because of my personal ties to cancer, and everyone who has been affected by blood and other cancers in our community. It is our time to make a change something that has affected nearly everyone in the world. Through fundraising for LLS I believe WE can make an everlasting impact. With your help we can change the fate of cancer. Although this journey will not be easy, I am confident that I can reach my goal with your help. I am respectfully asking you to make a donation in support of my campaign at a level that you feel comfortable with by donating online here or mailing a check made payable to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with my name, Elizabeth Chamoun, in the memo line. Do not hesitate to reach out if you want to hear about other ways to get involved.