From May 12 - May 16 I am going to be pouring my heart and soul into fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and The Dare to Dream Project and I hope you'll join along in a way that feels meaningful to you. Whether that's sharing my fundraising link, social media post, or even through a personal donation. 

Fundraising for LLS is deeply personal. When I was six (now thirty), I was diagnosed with Alopecia, an autoimmune disease that made me bald. While I’m able-bodied, I understand what it’s like to navigate a rather unknown diagnosis as a child. It's not easy and the emotional effects linger forever. My personal experience with disease is what has fueled my decade-long career in fundraising. In 2014 while a Sophomore at Seattle University I made a promise to fund as many cures as possible for as many diseases as possible and I have not stopped yet. 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is home, though. And I know so many patients and families who feel the same way. The Dare to Dream Project is funding more curative, less-toxic treatments for kids, while sustaining patient-focused programs that support families from the moment of diagnosis through survivorship.

When I first joined LLS in 2021 we had just committed to funding a trial at Seattle Children's Hospital focused on the cardiovascular effects of chemo on kids with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. This trial focused on two effective and highly toxic chemotherapies, but one of them had this thing attached called a “liposomal capsule”, which when released into the body creates a barrier around the heart, protecting it from the toxicity of the chemo!! IS THAT NOT AMAZING?

This LLS-funded approach is greatly helping children remain in survivorship. I didn’t know this, but heart effects of chemo are the biggest barrier to survival. Not anymore, thanks to donor-funded research. 

This is just one example of the GOOD we've been able to do, which is why I am investing my time in this fundraising effort. I haven't done this type of fundraising in a long time, but it can't wait anymore. Especially in this climate - our kids need better. 

I have a $1,000 goal and I hope you'll help me reach and exceed it. 

Love, 

Addie