I am honored to participate as a candidate for the 2023 Student Visionaries of the Year program, a seven-week initiative, from February 10th to March 31st, in which select high school students from around the country participate in a fundraising competition to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  The candidate that raises the most money at the end of the seven weeks is named Student Visionary 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.

I am doing this campaign because of the true fighters and heroes who have inspired me through their battles with cancer.

My cousin Amy was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia when she was just 11 years old in 2003.  She was put on an experimental drug called Gleevec, which ended up saving her life.  She is in medical remission today because of this drug, and the research for it was funded by LLS.  I now get to see the happy, healthy and wonderful woman she has become.

I am also inspired by children who have to battle cancer at such a young age.  Through LLS, I met my friends Julius and Nora who have both fought brave battles against blood cancer.  It is truly amazing how positive they remain through the toughest of trials.  Both Julius and Nora are such sweet, kind, and uplifting people, and their positivity helps motivate me to raise money for families just like theirs. 

My family's legacy of fundraising efforts for LLS also motivate me. My father, Peter Katz, was LLS Man of the Year in 2019, raising $106,000. My sister, Claire Katz, was Student of the Year in 2020 raising $82,000. Last year my cousin, Maisy Wadlow, was a candidate for 2022 Student of the Year, raising $101,000! For as long as I can remember we have been raising money for LLS, and I hope that your support will continue this great legacy!

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.