Carmen's Dare to Dream Days Fundraiser
Apr 17, 2026

Thank you so much for taking the time to click on my page and consider making a tax-deductible donation. If you would rather use a check, please let me know!

 

Since my first interaction with Blood Cancer United (formerly, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) in 2018, I have stayed connected with the organization, which ultimately led to my employment in 2024.

 

My passion for this organization and the work that they do began in honor of my grandpas, who I never had the chance to know because of multiple myeloma. Their loss has driven me to do my part in ensuring that no kids have to grow up in a world without their parents and grandparents by their side, but what if it is the kid themself who receives the diagnosis? 

 

Today I am fundraising for kids, because everyone deserves the chance to grow up and live a long life. 

 

38.6% of cancers found in children 20-years-old and younger are blood cancers. Right now, we are in the middle of a very exciting and unique fundraising campaign, Dare to Dream. ALL funds raised as part of Dare to Dream will go directly to funding treatment and care for CHILDREN with blood cancer. This means more kids will experience childhood outside of a hospital room, more kids will celebrate birthdays, and more kids will reach remission and live until adulthood. Not only that, but ALL funds raised will be MATCHED x4!!! 

 

- An estimated 55,103 children and adolescents younger than 20 years in the U.S. are living with or in remission from one of the 100+ types of blood cancer

- 80% of childhood cancer survivors develop chronic health issues from treatment

- Only 5% of cancer drugs have been approved for first-time use in children

 

By prioritizing kids, Blood Cancer United has made incredible progress in not only supporting treatment that is safe for their bodies in both the short-term and long-term. The most notable and exciting progress is the Blood Cancer United PedAL Master Clinical Trial, a screening process that identifies a child's tumor biology and with that information in mind, matches it to the best treatment plan for them. Here is more information: 

https://bloodcancerunited.org/about-us/dare-to-dream-project/pedal

 

 

 

SHOW COMMENTS
0
 
For the kids.
Jill and Craig Vyn,
Fri Apr 17 02:24:13 EDT 2026
I dedicate my donation in memory of and to honor my late husband John Blakemore, who died in 1982 at the age of 32. He left behind three children ages 2, 6, and 10 who grew up never knowing how real and passionate he was about life. He had so much love to give. We miss you so much, Ann
Ann Spoelhof,
Fri Apr 17 04:38:52 EDT 2026
Carmen has a love of kids, and this is a great way to make an impact in their lives!
Rachel Haveman,
Fri Apr 17 07:27:56 EDT 2026
Carmen is an extremely kind and caring individual who wants to make a difference in other’s lives. Keep up the great work!
Christopher Haveman,
Fri Apr 17 10:47:40 EDT 2026

Support our Efforts

Donating for this event will be available from: Monday, March 23, 2026 12:00AM to Tuesday, June 30, 2026 11:55PM EST
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Fundraising Total

91%
Individual Goal
$2,275 of $2,500

Register Today

Registration for this event will be available from: Friday, November 7, 2025 12:00AM to Sunday, April 19, 2026 12:00AM EST

My Thanks To

  • Facebook Donor
    $26.01
  • Andrew & Stephanie Vyn
     
  • Christopher Haveman
     
  • Rachel Haveman
     
  • Fred Sebulske
     
  • Joan Vyn
     
  • Scott and Marni Vyn
     
  • Ann Spoelhof
     
  • Jill and Craig Vyn
     
  • Nathan Blakemore