On March 20th, we had the privilage to go into the UC Davis Clinical Lab and Research building. We met with 3 scientists who talked to us about the work they are doing, the impact their research has on the cancer community and they even showed us around their lab. Currently, they are working on new cures for Leukemia. They were very passionate about what what they do, but unfortunately, very few of these new projects that they discover never make to clinical trials and actually tried to help people. The amount of money it takes to get a new drug approved is around 2.7 billion dollars. The government gives 4 grants a year to help these research projects, but they are mainly given to only those projects that they are sure will suceed. So new drugs that might actually have ground-breaking results never get approved. With the help of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and other societies like it, we are able to help fund these research projects that might never have made it through to be approved.

This year, we are fundraising in honor of a very special little girl. Her name is Taylor. She was diagnosed with T Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 5.

She started chemotherapy and underwent 10 rounds of cranial radiation, 15 rounds of chemotherapy and steriods, over 18 blood or platelet transfusions, 4 bone marrow biopsies, and 23 lumbar punctures.

Through it all, she smiled and gave back to her peers who were going through exactly what she was. On May 24th, 2018, Taylor had completed her treatment phase of her protocol.

Today she is in 3rd grade. She loves to dance, doing art, swimming, playing with her friends and school. One day she plans to become a pediatric nurse or a children life specialist, so she can help other kids with their cancer treatment. 

I had the honor to meet such a strong, courageous you lady, who has a smile that can brighten up the room like no other. Through LLS, her family and so many others were helped support their family member's cancer treatment. Your donation can help save lives, just like Taylor's. With more information about Taylor and her amazing journey, check out her facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/Taylorleesbutterflies/.
 

Thank you very much for visiting my page and supporting LLS´s fight against cancer.

Hopefully you can see how great organization the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is. Just like so many people around the world, I have friends and people close to me affected by cancer. I am so happy and excited to be a part of the Students of the Year program to raise funds for cancer research and patients across the globe. I am glad to be able to do my part in the fight against cancer that affects hundreds of people every year.

The Students of the Year is a program that allows high school students to compete is a seven week campaign to do their part in raising funds for cancer research. My partner Kammi Liu and I have put together a team of 17 students from across Northern California to represent Team Cancer Slayers. Together we hope to raise as much money as we can, but we can't do it without you. Please help us make a difference in the lives of cancer patients all across the world.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to curing blood cancers. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has funded 26 out of the 32 FDA approved cures for blood cancers and has brought the survival rate to quadruple times the amount it was in 1960. Their breakthroughs in blood cancer have also benefited other cancers such as: breast cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and even diabetes. All the money that the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society raises go towards blood cancer research, patient's copay, medical bills and ensuring the best available treatments for these patients, just like Taylor.

On behalf of cancer patients and all of us at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, we thank you for your support and generosity. Without your support, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society would not be able to make the impact they do for cancer patients across the globe.

The best of wishes to you and your family,

Alyssa Shen

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