My name is Justin Stout; I am a 16 year old student at Austin High School. This year, I am a candidate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) 2019 Students of the Year campaign. LLS is a non-profit organization that is devoted to funding blood cancer research and improving the quality of life of those affected by cancer. I am writing today to ask for your support in my effort to help LLS ensure access to cures and treatments for blood cancer patients.

In March of 2015, I became deathly ill while on a cruise with my family. When we arrived back to shore, I was immediately rushed to the hospital. It was then that the doctors told my parents that my liver was failing and that I was in need of a liver transplant. I was placed on a jet to Houston so I could get treatment at Texas Children’s Hospital. The following night, my parents received more grave news. The doctors had discovered that I also had leukemia, and would no longer be eligible for an organ transplant. But two amazing doctors fought for me, and I was put back on the transplant list. On March 31^st of 2015, I became the first intentional liver transplant to treat active leukemia. But even though I had received my life saving liver transplant, I still had a long tough battle ahead of me. I spent 49 days in the ICU and a total of 97 days in the hospital due to complications from my chemotherapy.  I had to do physical therapy to regain my basic capabilities, such as walking and writing. After I was released from the hospital, I continued my chemo treatments on an outpatient basis with multiple urgent care visits and hospital stays over the next 3+ years.  I also continued to maintain my schoolwork through home bound services maintaining my pre-AP class schedule.  On September 27^th of 2018, I took my last chemo pill and rang the bell on October 19th, signifying the end of my three and a half year battle with cancer.

I would not be here today without the medical advances that are made possible through research funded by organizations such as LLS. While survival rates for individuals diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma have improved, it isn’t good enough. In my lifetime, I want to see a cure. I would like to see new treatments be developed that provide less harmful side effects from the treatments I have received.  My story still continues as current therapies put me at further risk of complications and secondary cancers. This campaign is my opportunity to contribute to this vision, and I hope you will join me.

Every dollar I raise is a vote for me and a vote to cure cancer. I have until March 1^st to reach my goal of $100,000. There are many ways to support my campaign including sponsorships, donation of auction items, and monetary donations. You can make a tax-deductible donation by writing a check made payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (write “SOY Team Justin” on the memo line) or go online to https://events.lls.org/txg/HoustonSOY19/jstout and click on the “Donate Today” link. The following page has specific donation instructions.

I am fortunate that I beat leukemia. Together, we can give others the same chance! This is going to be an exciting campaign. If you have any questions about LLS or my campaign, please feel free to contact me. I appreciate your consideration and support.

I am honored to participate as a team member for 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 support my candidate and am 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 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.