This year’s honored hero is 14 year old Emma Geiselman! In 2017, she was LLS’s girl of the year and is now 2021’s Honored Hero. Diagnosed at the age of 3, Emma suffered from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and endured over 2 years of chemotherapy. Now a freshman at Lincoln High School she has been in remission for 9 years! As a blood cancer survivor she knows firsthand the incredible strength that it takes to overcome this illness. She and her family continue to advocate and aid LLS in their fight against cancer. She is an individual highly involved with her community and an avid supporter of LLS’s research and treatment, as it saved her life!

Hi! I’m Taryn Yee, a member of team Change the Game. Together, we hope to raise funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) as part of their 2021 Students of the Year campaign. LLS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to researching and assisting those affected by blood cancers across the nation and relies on donations from people like you! Investing nearly $1.3 billion dollars into their work, the advancements made have and continue to save lives. By joining this campaign I am committed to improving the quality of life for patients as well as fostering research that could provide a cancer-free future. By donating, not only will you help better the lives of patients and families, but will continue the fight against this deadly disease.

I highly encourage that you participate in our efforts to raise money. Any amount is not too small, as your generosity is greatly appreciated! Although the fight against cancer is large it is one that has tremendous impact because of the help of compassionate and countless donors like yourselves. Almost 10% of the U.S. population is diagnosed with blood cancer every year, and it is not rare to know someone who has personally been affected. Many members of our team have known someone with cancer, as well as myself. My grandfather was diagnosed with CNS Lymphoma in 2000 and sadly passed away less than six months later before I could meet him. This year, we are introducing you to our honored hero, Emma! Hearing about her and her family's strength really sheds a light on how effective a communal foundation can be. Please join our team in supporting those in our community who have been affected as well as those you may know.

As excited as we are to start fundraising, our seven-week donation period does not start until Thursday, February 4, 2021, and will end Friday, March 26, 2021. I can not collect money before that date but will gladly collect pledges that signify your commitment to donating until that period. Please feel free to also send this page or my contact information to others whom you feel may like to be part of this community. All donations are tax-deductible and contribute to the legacy of this leading non-profit in our fight against cancer. Thank you so much for your gracious support and for contributing your time to this wonderful cause. If you have any questions or would like to contact me, please do not hesitate to reach me by email at tarynyee8@gmail.com, or by phone at 1(916) 477-8688. Remember, fighting cancer is in our blood!