Every three minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with blood cancer—a child,sibling, parent, or friend whose life is forever changed. Today, over 1.6 million Americans are bravely fighting these diseases, and unfortunately more join their ranks every day. Yet, there is hope. Thanks to organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), groundbreaking advancements are bringing us closer to a world without blood cancers.

I am honored to share that I have been nominated as a candidate in the 2025 Houston Student Visionaries of the Year campaign by LLS, and I could not be more excited to make a difference in the lives of patients across the country. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows me to take a stand against blood cancer and support the patients and families impacted by these diseases. Together, we can create a future where no one has to hear the words, “You have cancer.”

This mission is deeply personal to me because I have first-handedly witnessed the devastating impact cancer can have—not just on those diagnosed but also on their families and communities. It’s heartbreaking to see someone’s life change overnight with a diagnosis. This experience has shown me how important it is and to fight for a cancer-free future.

Patients like Evan, our Honored Hero, are a powerful reminder of why this fight is so critical. At just four years old, Evan was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. When his initial treatment didn’t fully clear the cancer from his bone marrow, he faced a challenging change in his treatment plan; he was selected for a clinical trial for immunotherapy. For 28 days, Evan received continuous infusion therapy through a backpack—a brave journey for someone so young. After more than a year of rigorous treatment, Evan was placed in maintenance, returned to school, and began thriving again. On August 23, 2024, Evan celebrated the end of his treatment by ringing the bell, a symbol of his strength and the life-saving advancements made possible by organizations like LLS.

Evan’s story strikes a deep chord with me and reminds me how even the smallest fighters face the biggest battles. Hearing about how he rang the bell inspired me with hope but also fueled my determination to act. For every “Evan” who gets to celebrate the end of treatment, countless others are still waiting for their chance to thrive. So, my community is my “why.” Giving kids like Evan the opportunity to ring their bell is my “why.”

I have assembled Team ‘Can the Cancer’ to help me raise funds. I am proud to lead my campaign team and work towards our goal to raise $50,000 during the next 7 weeks - from Thursday, January 9th until Saturday, March 1st. Today, I’m asking you to join me in this fight—not just as donors, but as partners in creating a cancer-free future. Together, we can make that vision a reality. Will you please help me make a difference?

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the largest donor to blood cancer research in the nation. They have invested over $1.7 billion in research and are leaders in advancing breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics, and personalized medicine. These revolutionary new treatments originally discovered through blood cancer research are now being tested in clinical trials for other cancers. While there has been phenomenal progress, there is still so much more to be done. Cancer is still one of the leading causes of death in children and young adults.

My campaign provides an opportunity to support the critical work of LLS in combating these diseases. I am honoring those who have battled blood cancers and raising money that will go directly to LLS in support of its longstanding mission to find a cure and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Along with my team, I will work to increase awareness about the impact of blood cancers and the cutting-edge treatments that are currently being researched, as well as inspire others to join the fight to find a cure. I cannot do this alone; I need your help. 

This is how you can help me! Please visit my fundraising website https://events.lls.org/txg/svoyhouston25/Myuvaraj  and click on the “Donate Today” button. The following page has specific donation instructions. If you would prefer to mail your donation, please use the pre-addressed envelope. Please make your check payable to “The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society” and print “SVOY Mokshaa Yuvaraj, Team ‘Can the Cancer’” in the memo portion of the check. The deadline for receiving contributions in the mail is February 26th. Please note: your donations are tax deductible. 

You can also help me raise funds by inviting your friends, family, and everyone in your networks to join us by making a donation. Aside from donations, we would love to hear from you or someone you know who would like to sponsor the Grand Finale on Saturday, March 1st, or other possible fundraising opportunities. Large or small, your contribution to this worthy effort will be greatly appreciated.

Help be part of the cure and help my team compete in the Houston Student Visionaries of the Year campaign. For more information, please contact me at mokshaa.yuvaraj@gmail.com. For more information about LLS and Student Visionaries of the Year, please visit www.llsstudentvisionaries.org/.

Warm regards,

Mokshaa Yuvaraj

Team ‘Can the Cancer’

2025 Student Visionaries of the Year Candidate 

“When cancer is a chapter of the past, we can move forward together.” Let's turn that vision into a reality.
 

Visionaries don’t just dream—they act. They see what’s possible, challenge the status quo, and create a better future for everyone. That’s what the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) stands for: the vision of a world without blood cancers.

This year, I am proud to be part of the LLS Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign, leading the charge to make a difference. I’m working to raise as much as possible to support LLS’s groundbreaking mission, and I need your help.

Here’s why your support matters:

1. Innovative Research: LLS funds cutting-edge advancements in immunotherapy, genomics, and personalized medicine—transforming lives and creating hope for patients.
2. Support for Families: From personalized one-on-one guidance to assistance with clinical trials, LLS ensures no family fights alone.
3. Policy Advocacy: LLS mobilizes thousands to advocate for policies that accelerate treatments and ensure patients can access life-saving care.

Your donation, no matter the size, can help us create a future where no one has to hear the words, “You have cancer.” All donations are tax-deductible and directly support patients and their families.

Together, we can make this the last generation to experience the heartbreak of cancer. Please consider joining this fight by making a donation or spreading the word. Visit my fundraising page to learn more and be part of this impactful journey.

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you for your generosity and support.

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