I am honored to participate in the 2019 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 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(s) 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. To illustrate, every 3 minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer and more than 33% of blood cancer patients do not survive 5 years after diagnosis.

I grew up  being reminded of the detrimental effects of cancer and blood disorders. I have no recollection of my mom's mother who lost her battle to cancer, I witnessed the effects cancer on families, and mine has a history of heart disease.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has provided for the treatment of patients, including but not limited to: their advances in oral treatment in lieu of chemotherapy and radiation, reducing weakening side effects and increasing comfortability among the clients. In all, these astounding contributions have influenced me to do my part to reach out in the effort to benefit blood cancer patients, among others, and aid in today's most promising research advances by donating funds. 

Since the early 1960s, five-year survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. However, patients are still diagnosed with blood cancer every 3 minutes. Fortunately, 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. Moreover, LLS has provided free information, support services, and financial assistance to over 30,000 people in 2017. 

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.