The creation of CAR-T cell therapy began in the early 2000s, when a team of scientists led by Dr. Carl June at the University of Pennsylvania (who I had the pleasure of meeting at LLS' Research Gathering in New York) began experimenting with ways to engineer T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. Their research was groundbreaking and showed that this new therapy had the potential to be a game-changer in the treatment of cancer.

However, the development of CAR-T cell therapy required a significant amount of funding for research, clinical trials and FDA approval. This is where the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) stepped in. LLS recognized the potential of CAR-T cell therapy and over more than two decades provided $40 million in funding for more than 15 researchers and companies around the world to develop this revolutionary approach to treating cancer. This funding was critical in the advancement of CAR-T cell therapy and helped to bring it from the laboratory to the clinic.

Thanks to the funding provided by LLS, CAR-T cell therapy was approved by the FDA for children and young adults with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in 2017. Today, this therapy is providing hope and a chance for a cure for many children affected by blood cancer.

The story of the creation of CAR-T cell therapy is a testament to the power of funding research and how it can lead to groundbreaking advancements in the fight against cancer. LLS's support has been critical in the development and approval of this new therapy and it continues to be an important ally in the fight against pediatric blood cancer. 

This past March, the team I led, "The Children’s Cancer ​​​​​​​Crushers," took home the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Student​​​​​​​ of the Year title here in Houston. With 24 teams and nearly 250 students, ​​​​​​​collectively we broke the city record, raising over $1.1 million. Because of the hard work we all put into the 7-week campaign and the deep generosity of our donors, our team raised an astonishing $190,000 and had the privilege to name two research grants. In addition, I was recently asked to be LLS’ guest at a research gathering in New York City. It was moving to see firsthand the innovative science that is changing the landscape for cancer  patients and their families. I was fortunate to meet the topresearchers and physicians, such as Dr. June, the creator of CAR-T cell therapy. I could go on and on about how amazing this organization is and how passionate I am about this cause, but I wouldn't be able to fit it all on this page.

This experience was one my team of high schoolers will never forget. In fact, we were so touched by the opportunity to give back and to make a true difference in the lives of blood cancer patients that, despite the hard work, we decided to come back and defend our title in 2023. The Cancer Crushers are "coming for blood," chasing the goal of being the first team in the Houston area to raise more than $200,000, but we need your help.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The 2023 Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society kicked off on January 12, 2023. We are seeking personal and corporate sponsorship commitments as well as   any individual donations. All contributions are tax-deductible and will go straight to the LLS Children's Initiative to aid in pediatric cancer research. You can rest assured that the money you donate will have a significant impact on the lives of patients, their families, and medical research.

As a global leader in the fight against blood cancer, LLS:

• Funds cutting-edge research leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine that are improving and saving the lives of patients​​​​​​​

• Provides free education and support for blood cancer patients and families, including personalized, one-on-one support, assistance with identifying and enrolling in clinical trials, and more.

• Mobilizes thousands of advocates to drive policy changes that accelerate the development of new cancer treatments and break down barriers to care.

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