What does the "c" word mean to you? To me, the "c" word means heartbreak, sorrow, loss, and the list of negative terms continues on, seemingly without end. Cancer, no matter which type, has affected every person in one way or another. 

We all know at least one person who has suffered from this heartbreaking disease, whether it was through a direct family member, or even a "friend of a friend." Many of us know how terrifying it is to know that someone who we love is facing an unpredictable, difficult battle, and it seems as if we can only dream of a world where cancer does not exist. Fortunately, we won't have to dream for much longer.

Every day, through every donation acquired and every supporter who fights for our cause, we are taking huge steps forward to beating cancer. With your help, we will be able to fight off this disease. Wouldn't it be amazing to wake up one morning and realize you'll never have to worry or even think about cancer again? One day soon, the "c" word will no longer be something that haunts us.

Any donation, any supporter, and any help at all is greatly appreciated. Together, we can beat cancer. 

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.

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.