We are Adrianna Rossetti and Emi Suyama.  It is with great energy and dedication that we write to inform you of our decision to run together for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Student of the Year.  As we studied how much the LLS has enhanced the lives of people afflicted with blood cancers, the plan to participate in this campaign seemed rather easy.  Each of us has been exposed to these disorders and the toll they take on families.  Please allow us to share our stories as you consider supporting us in our effort to make a true difference!

Adrianna’s Story:  At a young age, I distinctly remember attending programs and learning about how invested the LLS is in the fight against cancer. This organization has impacted the lives of thousands of people with various types of blood cancer. Over the years, I experienced the dedication to patients and their families at golf outings, Light the Night and the Race to Anyplace. The energy was so profound and reflected what I recall hearing my dad talk about in the support programs I attended. Similarly, seeing loved ones go through traditional cancer treatments, I witnessed just how difficult and uncertain it can be. I remember my Dad telling me about a pill that is now called Gleevec. Before this pill those who were diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia were very likely to develop acute leukemia. At the time, few patients were able to undergo bone marrow transplant, which was then very dangerous with high complication rates. Virtually, most of these patients had a slow growing leukemia that turned into a rapidly growing, deadly form of leukemia. This drug, Gleevec, targets the defect caused from cancer by inhibiting its enzyme, a tyrosine kinase. This pill dramatically changed the fate of patients, allowing them to likely live as long as they would have if they didn’t have cancer! This development is largely attributed to the work of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. More so, through my Dad, I have had the great joy of getting to know several blood cancer patients and their families, so many of whom give credit to the LLS for their success. Sadly, I have also met many other families who are missing loved ones who have lost their battle. Still, they wish to continue the fight for those who come after them. These are the people I am especially running for and for whom the LLS continues to fight. This opportunity is an honor and I do not intend on wasting it. You have my word!

Emi’s Story:  For the longest time, I have taken an interest in the biology of cancer and its treatment. My grandfather was a molecular biologist who researched mitochondria in parasites in hopes of finding new ways to treat conditions associated with parasitic infections. His dedication to improving the lives of others through research sparked my interest in joining the effort to find a cure for cancer. In order to reach the ultimate goal of curing a patient, we must not forget about the initial effort and funding required to reach it. My grandfather was constantly dependent on grants, and his work was limited by the funds available to support his cause. The same limitation applies to the research supported by the LLS. Without financial support from LLS, many researchers would be unable to continue to perform their vital research. Since 2018, the LLS has supported 80 research grants totaling over $188 million. While this may sound as though significant funds are available, there is much more research that still needs your support. I, like so many others, aspire to defeat cancer, and hope that you will contribute to this effort.

We thank you in advance for supporting this incredible cause, and please remember, every bit counts. We are certain our friends and family are the most generous and strongest among any of the candidates this year and we look forward to letting you know that our campaign has reached its goal!

We hope that you will partner with us on this journey!

Emi Suyama & Adrianna Rossetti