This year, I’m proud to be a part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign, working to raise as much as possible for LLS’s mission.

I am Maya Peles, a junior at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale. Unfortunately, I have been exposed to the realities of cancer my whole life as my father is a hematologist and oncologist who has been treating cancer for over 20 years. Throughout my lifetime I have heard so many devastating stories regarding cancer. However, one story that stuck out to me most was about a 20 year old boy named PJ. PJ was diagnosed in 2020 with acute leukemia in his freshman year of college. This was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospitals were limiting visitors, and he had to hear this terrifying news alone from my dad. While most of us were worrying about catching COVID, PJ was fighting for his life. PJ needed to undergo intensive chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. His treatment course took longer than 1 year and sadly he had to temporarily suspend his studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. Fortunately he is in remission, has graduated from college, and is living a happy and healthy life. Hearing stories like PJ’s inspired me to make a difference for people with cancer. This year, I will be participating in the Leukemia Lymphoma Society Student Visionary of the Year in order to raise money towards research and treatments for leukemia. I will be taking part in this inspiring fundraising campaign in recognition of PJ and his journey. The Leukemia Lymphoma society is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding research for blood cancers. With your help, we can make a difference in the lives of people like PJ. Thank you so much for your support!

“ALONE WE CAN DO SO LITTLE; TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH.”

      -Helen Keller 

With appreciation,

Maya Peles

As a global leader in the fight against blood cancer, LLS:

• Funds cutting-edge research leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine that are improving and saving the lives of patients
• Provides free education and support for blood cancer patients and families, including personalized, one-on-one support, assistance with identifying and enrolling in clinical trials, and more.
• Mobilizes thousands of advocates to drive policy changes that accelerate the development of new cancer treatments and break down barriers to care.

Please consider joining this fight by making a donation. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible. Please visit my website often and tell friends who would also like to donate!

For more information about LLS, please visit www.lls.org.