My Why

This year, I am working with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to raise funds and raise awareness in support of cancer research, not only because I want to, but also to help save loved ones.

A cousin in my family passed away from cancer at a young age. She used to care for me, watch over me, and foster me. She was a great older cousin to me. Unfortunately, she passed away, leaving behind a son, which is truly heartbreaking for me. I will strive to help him and watch him grow in his life.

I witnessed a leukemia survivor at a young age. It was during elementary school when my close friend Jordan left in 2nd grade to receive treatment. He was gone for a long time, and the school community was made aware. We wished nothing but hope for Jordan. I saw him again in 5th grade, and it was truly heartwarming to see not only a friend but a survivor. Throughout the years he was gone, we received updates on his well-being, so we weren’t completely left in the dark during his treatment. I’ve heard of the emotional support he received, including gaming consoles, TVs, and more, which I was glad to hear about. If I want to make a change, this is something I can do. I do not want any more hearts broken, families devastated, or kids and parents separated. It’s truly an adversity when someone you know or love has cancer.

Cancer takes so much from us, and it’s personal for me because I’ve seen its impact on loved ones. Ending cancer is about restoring hope and saving lives. Cancer still persists in our world, and we need everyone’s help to stop this. There is still not a cure for cancer, and even when there is a treatment, cancer can be unique, requiring personalized approaches.

This is why LLS exists—to fund research into cancer and save more lives. If there’s one thing I want to do to help, it’s joining LLS to support their goal. Even if it’s not much, I know a life will be saved.

About me

My name is Jayden Goodbee. I am sixteen years old, a senior in high school, and I live in Albany. I played baseball for six years and soccer for two years. When I entered high school, I began running track and field, which I’ve continued until now. In high school, I strive for perfect grades. In previous years, I have consistently made the honor roll, achieving the highest honor roll every quarter with a GPA ranging from 3.8 to 4.0. I am meticulous about my academic performance.

I also take initiative in student government as the secretary, with the goal of improving our school. We have organized events like prom and fish fries for our basketball home games. As secretary, I record notes to make it easy to track ideas discussed. Additionally, I participate in the chess club at my school. In my sophomore year, I won the Chess Grand Champion title in the tournament held at the end of the 4th quarter. Previously, I joined the Black & Latino Program administered by the YMCA. This program helps expose us to resources that might otherwise be unavailable, guiding us in determining our career goals, enhancing our professionalism, networking, visiting colleges, and more. On the side, I run a business called Albanycanshine, which originated from the city I live in and the services I offer. My business is an outdoor service featuring trash can cleaning, landscaping, snow shoveling, and leaf removal. I started in the summer of 2023, and it has been successful, with operations continuing. At school, I was nominated for a $40,000 scholarship called the Rensselaer Medal from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) for my expertise in math and science.

I was also nominated to attend a program at Yale University hosted by the NYLF Envision program. I was sponsored $4,200 to attend, and during the program, we were tasked with creating a business model while learning the fundamentals of business. This year, I will be applying to the Honor Society, and after I graduate, I will be receiving my Advanced Regents Diploma. If you are interested in being a part of the end to cancer, or you identify with any part of my life, please donate or reach out to me so we can find a way forward together.

Visionaries look to the future—and see infinite possibility.
They challenge the status quo—and make the impossible possible.
They boldly imagine a better world – and lead the charge to create it.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was built on that same vision - of a better world - one without blood cancers.

I am a visionary; I have a vision for a world without cancer, but I need your help.

This year, I’m proud to be a part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign, working to raise as much as possible for LLS’s mission.

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.

Please consider joining this fight by making a donation. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible. Please visit my website often and tell friends who would also like to donate!

Thanks to your support, my efforts will help ensure this generation is the last to see cancer.

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you!

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