Dear ʻOhana,

     “Today, 1.2 million Americans are fighting or are in remission from blood cancers and every 3 minutes, another person unwillingly joins the fight. Sadly, every 9 minutes an individual dies from these blood cancers”. (LLS).

     On July 21, 2018, the impact of leukemia became very real to my family and I. My sister, Tristan Kanoe Miyuki Fisher, was diagnosed with CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia), one of the more rare forms of blood cancers. It's been a rough year and a half watching her struggle with the side effects of her chemo medications.  After 2 different medications and adjustments to the doses, she hit a roadblock with her blood counts.  On December 31st of 2019, at her last appointment of the year, was told that she would need to seek a CML specialist in Seattle.

     Our family recently traveled to Seattle in January of 2020.  We met Kanoe's new CML specialist who prescribed a new generation of chemo medication and came up with a game plan.  My sister's fight has become our fight!

      I am a candidate for the 2020 Student of the Year campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). This campaign is a nationwide program held annually to raise funds directed towards research, cures, and advocacy, and to support patients and their families. I realize not everyone has an immediate family member with cancer, but it is a guarantee that you know of someone who has or has had some type of cancer. We often feel helpless watching those around us live their day to day life with this disease. This can be your chance to kokua, in hopes that one day a cure will be found. 

     I am humbly asking you to help support our campaign. Our goal for ʻOhana Strong is to raise as much money as we can in our 7 week campaign that surpasses the other teams that are also involved. Yes, 7 weeks is a short time period, however, our team and I are determined to achieve this goal or even surpass it. It would mean a lot to me if you would consider donating to our campaign on behalf of everyone who is struggling with blood cancer. To donate online, or to learn more about our campaign, please visit my fundraising website. Checks can be mailed to: 525 Pepeekeo St. Apt 3, Honolulu, HI, 96825. 

     Mahalo nui loa for helping our team fight against blood cancer! I am grateful and blessed to have your friendship and support towards this worthy cause. No matter the amount, your donations will be greatly appreciated and will make a difference! I also challenge you to take a picture of this letter, or send my fundraising website to your friends and family. Through the "coconut wireless” everybody knows somebody, our message will spread!

Me Ke Aloha Pumehana,
Kala'i Fisher 
2020 ‘Ohana Strong Candidate 

If you have any questions, email bradafisha@gmail.com or call (808) 927-9043, Kala’i Fisher, ‘Ohana Strong Candidate Team Leader

LLS is a 501(c)3 non-profit and your donation is 100% tax deductible.
 Does your company match donations? https://www.lls.org/ways-to-help/corporate-matching-gifts

Campaign Timeline: February 28, 2020 to April 18, 2020

Online Donation: https://events.lls.org/sd/honosoy20/kfisher

Checks payable to: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
 Memo Line: Kala'i Fisher