It’s time to dream bigger and fight harder for the kids who need us most.
From May 12 to May 16, I’m leading a campaign that means the world to me, and I’m inviting you to be a part of it. Together, we can support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Dare to Dream Project, an incredible initiative focused on helping children facing blood cancer. I’ve been fundraising for LLS for seventeen years, but this campaign is especially personal.
When I was just three years old, I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of Acute T-cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Before I even understood what cancer was, I was thrown into a fight for my life. Chemotherapy, spinal infusions, blood transfusions, surgeries that became my everyday for almost four years. I spent most of my early childhood in and out of City of Hope hospital, surrounded by tubes and tests instead of toys and playdates. I may not remember every moment, but I’ll never forget the fear, the exhaustion, and the pain I saw in the eyes of the people who loved me. What I didn’t realize back then was how much my diagnosis impacted not just me. It changed the lives of everyone connected to our family.
But through it all, I survived. And twenty years later, I’m still here, still standing, and still fighting. I fight for the kids in hospital beds right now, wondering when they’ll go home. I fight for the parents praying for options, and for the siblings trying to stay strong. I fight because I was given a second chance, and I want to do everything I can to ensure others get that same opportunity. I am living proof that your donations can save lives. Even with the progress we’ve made, there’s still so much work ahead.
My goal is to raise $20,001 to honor the year I was diagnosed, 2001. More importantly, I aim to raise awareness, inspire a movement, and show families they are not alone. I want survivors to have hope for a brighter future. Please consider making a donation or sharing my fundraising link today. For the next five days, 100% of donations will go directly to the Dare to Dream Project, supporting groundbreaking research, innovative treatments, and essential services for children with blood cancer and their families.
This includes major efforts like the Pediatric Acute Leukemia Master Clinical Trial (LLS PedAL), the first global, multi-center study focused on developing targeted therapies for pediatric acute leukemia. The project is also advancing precision medicine, using cutting-edge tools like genomic profiling to match each child with the treatment most likely to work for their specific cancer. This personalized approach helps improve outcomes and reduces the long-term side effects that often come with adult-based therapies. Beyond science, Dare to Dream provides families with support through every step of the journey. From personalized education and advocacy to financial assistance, the project helps families navigate the emotional and practical challenges of childhood cancer. Every gift is 100% tax-deductible. Whether it is $5 or $500, your support can help change a child’s life and create a better future for pediatric cancer care.
We dare to dream to give children the future they deserve. A chance to grow up with joy and hope, celebrate more birthdays, create more memories and live full lives.
Thank you for standing with me and believing in this mission!
Until a cure,
Kelly Delaney
