Over the last few years, I have grown very close to my now co-captain Garrett, and as we’ve become closer I've learned more and more about the hardships he had to go through and just as important, how LLS helped him through it. Leukemia Lymphoma Society's focus on research, access, and advocacy has led to real, groundbreaking change over the past 70 years. From Garrett's information and my own research, I have realized how important the work LLS does is and how much it affects peoples lives and since realizing that, I knew that I wanted to get on board and make a difference with them. Captaining a team was thhe perfect way to do it so I could spread the word about LLS on a larger scale and hopefully affect real change, as well as inspire others to do the same.

I am honored to participate as a team member for the 2020 Students of the Year program, a seven-week initiative in which select high school students from around the country participate in a fundraising competition to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I am proud to be captaining a Jesuit High School team called Marauders for Miracles. We are raising critical dollars in honor of a young patient hero who is currently battling or is in remission from a blood cancer. Each dollar is a vote. The candidate team that raises the most money at the end of the seven weeks is named Student of the Year. Our mission is to not only raise the most money but also to bring attention to blood cancers like leukemia, which is the most common form of cancer in children and teens.

Since the early 1960s, five-year survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. And many LLS supported therapies not only help blood cancer patients but are helping patients with other cancers and serious diseases. In fact, drugs first approved for blood cancers are now approved to treat patients with stomach cancers, skin cancers, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

We really are changing the face of blood cancer!

All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. They'll not only support LLS-funded research but will help provide critical information and support for patients, and support advocacy for laws to ensure patients can access the care and treatments they need.

Please visit our website often and bring friends who would also like to donate!

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you for your support!

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