In 2011, my father, Tim, was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma, a diagnosis no one ever wants to hear. At just 28 years old, my dad was facing the battle of his life. Extensive rounds of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant took a significant toll on him. Cancer takes a lot from you; it interrupts dreams, forces you away from home, and dims the hope of survival. I vividly remember asking my mom, "What made Dad fight so hard?" Her simple answer was, "You." While I was a motivating factor, my father's purpose was more significant than just me; he was fighting for something cancer could never take away—family. At the end of the day, my dad knew he had a wife and 2-year-old daughter at home who was blissfully unaware but missed her dad more than anything.

On November 28, 2012, my dad celebrated being one year cancer-free. Over ten years ago, November 28 became what my family liked to call "Dad's Stem Cell Birthday," a day we celebrated my dad's continued health. Throughout that decade, I became an older sister to my brother, Timmy, and my sister, Georgia. Together, as a family, we witnessed my dad reclaim the life that cancer had once sought to take from him. He returned to living a normal life, playing golf, working in Manhattan, and being the best dad we could ever ask for.

In 2022, my family decided to move back to South Florida, a fresh start that excited us all. However, it came as a shock when we discovered that his cancer had returned to his tonsils. Being diagnosed felt like an unfair blow, especially since he had been so healthy for so many years. Nevertheless, my father chose to confront cancer head-on, just as he had before, even when it meant leaving family behind. 

In the fall of 2022, I visited my dad at Weill Cornell Hospital, where he was undergoing a CAR-T cell transplant. While the entire experience was overwhelming, one aspect that stood out to me was my dad's team of doctors. My family has been incredibly blessed to have this exceptional team dedicated to cancer research, providing hope to those battling such a terrible disease. Just like in 2011, my dad fought fiercely for his family, demonstrating remarkable resilience and strength. His journey has been long and truly inspiring. I am very grateful that my father is doing well and enjoying the joys that life offers. Whether it’s attending an Eric Church concert, playing golf with his buddies, or having a family movie night, we feel endlessly blessed to have him with us today.

I want to capitalize on this opportunity to give back to families in situations similar to what my family once faced. Donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) allow families to experience the joys of life after cancer. I am grateful to support this cause by being a nominee for the Student Visionaries Campaign. Please consider making a donation that is meaningful to you! Let’s make this a record year; go, TEAM TIMMY!

Hi everyone! My name is Payton Connors. I am a sophomore at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. I am originally from Rye, New York, and have lived in South Florida for about three years. I am the oldest of three kids; I have a younger brother, Timmy, and a younger sister, Georgia. I am involved with the varsity lacrosse team and mock trials at school. In my free time, I enjoy horseback riding, which is truly a passion of mine, and spending quality time with my friends and family. Additionally, I love being around children; in the summers, I work as a camp counselor and dedicate sufficient time to babysitting. I am incredibly passionate about community service, and I look forward to the work that Team Timmy will do to give back to those in need!

Visionaries look to the future—and see infinite possibility.
They challenge the status quo—and make the impossible possible.
They boldly imagine a better world – and lead the charge to create it.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was built on that same vision - of a better world - one without blood cancers.

I am a visionary; I have a vision for a world without cancer, but I need your help.

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.

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!

Thanks to your support, my efforts will help ensure this generation is the last to see cancer.

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you!

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