I am so blessed to participate as a candidate 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. Our mission is to not only raise money but also to bring attention to blood cancers like leukemia, which is the most common form of cancer in children and teens.

This program allows me to take strides in the fight against cancer! The dictionary defines the word stride as “a step or stage in progress toward an aim”. My goal is to take a step in the right direction! Participating in this program allows me to impact the strongest people who have fought, won, lost, and are continuing to battle cancer. 

Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  

On June 10th, 2014, my Grandfather lost his fight against liver cancer. He was an inspiration to me with the way he never failed to light up a room with his witty humor, cared for others, lived his life through his faith, and how he taught me to walk through life with my passions guiding me. He left this earth too soon at the age of 67. I love you Papa, fly high angel!  

By raising money for LLS, I am working to prevent others from experiencing the devastation of losing a loved one. Your donations help me to get one step closer to my goal of $50,000, which allows me to dedicate a research portfolio in honor of my grandfather. 

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

Please visit my fundraising page often and bring friends who would also like to donate! Help me leave footprints and make strides going in the right direction. 

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

Emily