Meet Haley Smoot

The North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is pleased to introduce you to Haley Smoot.  She recently joined the North Texas LLS family and is the new Campaign Manager for our Student Series program. She is busy prepping for the upcoming school year.  Haley answered a couple questions so you can get to know her better.

1. Tell us about your nonprofit background.

I first became involved in nonprofit work when I was 16. I volunteered to help my aunt after she founded the Sarah Friend Heart Foundation in memory of my 12 year old cousin who died suddenly from an undetected heart condition. The purpose of the organization was to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest in kids and the need for defibrillators in schools and public places. Ultimately, the Foundation played a major role in the passage of legislation in Texas requiring schools to have defibrillators on site.

From there, I continued on a career path in public health, focusing primarily on policy and advocacy and working for the U.S. Senate, the American Heart Association, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Despite my diverse background, there are two common themes throughout my work: to help people and to promote a culture of health.

2. What attracted you to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society?
I actually lost my father to colon cancer two months before I came to LLS. We watched my dad fight a harrowing two-year battle, and his death left my family reeling. We lived through two years of visits to the E.R., hospital stays, and chemotherapy treatments that pushed my dad to the brink of death, only to lose him after all of that. My dad had also lost his father to colon cancer when he was only eight years old, and other members of our family have fought the same disease. When my dad’s father was diagnosed with colon cancer, there was little that could be done. Because of the advancement of technology and treatments, my dad lived to 72. But there’s still so much work that needs to be done.

One thing I learned first-hand is that patients and their families need all the information, resources, and support they can get when fighting cancer. I’m proud to work for an organization that not only provides helpful resources but also funds research to find cures. Because of organizations like LLS, patients and their families have better access to information and support that are critical resources in the fight against cancer.

3. What do you think is so interesting about working with teams and individuals in a fundraising capacity?

I love working with people and learning what they’re passionate about. Every person and every team that commits to a fundraising campaign has something that motivates them. The passion that they show is inspiring and impactful, and their stories of how cancer has personally affected them serves as a daily reminder of why we do the work we do.

4. What are you most looking forward to with the Student Series program this next school year?
Working with kids. Most of the roles I've held throughout my career have focused on children in some capacity. I think the drive, compassion, and overall impact young people can have is truly amazing. Research has shown that this new generation, Gen Z, is motivated by the desire to make the world a better place. Gen Z is going to change the world.

You can reach Haley at 972.996.5933 or Haley.Smoot@lls.org

Student of the Year Candidate:Lindsey Abbott

The 2nd Annual North Texas Student of the Year program boasts a strong class of high school candidates this year.  These students are currently competing in a six-week fundraising campaign to raise funds for and awareness of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).  Alvord High School student Lindsey Abbott is one of the candidates and introduced herself and discusses why she chose to compete in this campaign this year.  

What interested you in applying for Student of the Year?  

I was interested in SOY because the LLS is doing great things for the fight against blood cancer, and I wanted to take part in that. I've lost friends to blood cancer, and I want to help create a world where nobody has to watch blood cancer win.

What other organizations or extracurricular activities are you involved in?

I'm involved in lots of extracurricular activities such as Student Council, FCCLA, and Horticulture Club. I am Alvord FFA President, District 1 FFA Student Advisor, and NHS Vice President. I also love being a Vacation Bible School Worship Leader at my church, and I'm frequently involved in various community service activities.

What do you hope to achieve while participating in this campaign with LLS?

The main thing I hope to achieve while participating in this campaign is to help educate people on what the LLS does and what blood cancers are. I feel like blood cancer is overlooked because people don't understand how terrible it is. 

Where are you planning to go to school next year?

I will be attending Texas A&M University in the fall where I will be majoring in Biomedical Sciences. I'm so excited to (officially) become a part of the Aggie Family!

Favorite Quote: 

My favorite quote is actually a bible verse. "The Lord is close to the broken hearted. He rescues those whose spirits are crushed." - Psalm 34:18. This always gives me hope whenever I'm feeling lonely, afraid, or just in need of some extra hope. It reminds me that even if I may feel destroyed, God is always there to pick me up and put all my pieces back together.

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The 2017 Student of the Year Grand Finale will be held on Friday, April 7th at the Renaissance Hotel Dallas.  Tickets and tables are still available for purchase.  Click here to buy tickets and learn more about the campaign and its candidates.

Meet Meg Wilder

The North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is pleased to introduce its newest addition to the Student Series team.  Meg Wilder has joined the team as a Campaign Specialist and will be instrumental in helping to continue to grow the North Texas campaign to raise more than $1 million just in North Texas.  Read below as she introduces herself.

"I recently graduated from Baylor University with a degree in English. Although my love for reading and writing will never cease, I discovered my passion for fundraising my sophomore year at Baylor. After running my savings account dry, I desperately needed a job. I applied to several campus jobs to no avail, but quickly received an offer from the Baylor University Call Center. Cold calling people was intimidating and daunting, but I excelled. I’ve had countless people hang up on me, but I loved working for my university. During my time as a Student Fundraising Ambassador, I raised over $100,000 for Baylor University. 

I also joined Kappa Chi Alpha, a local Christian sorority at Baylor. This organization helped me bond with like-minded women. I loved playing intramural volleyball with my sorority sisters. I also enjoyed serving the community through our philanthropy, Mission Waco. Service has always played a very important role in my life and I’m overjoyed that I have the opportunity to serve others in my career. 

I’m very close with my family; most of my father’s side of the family lives in Dallas. The Wilder family gets together every Christmas for “Wilder Weekend.” My family has been doing this for twenty-four years; my grandfather started this tradition the winter before passing away from pancreatic cancer. I was never able to meet my grandfather, but I am eternally grateful for the traditions and family values he instilled in me. I look forward to Wilder Weekend every years, despite having to sleep on the floor some years. 

Fun Facts About Me:

-My cat has more followers than I do on Instagram

-I have an unhealthy obsession with queso

-My favorite novel is Jane Eyre

-I love true crime television

I decided to pursue a career in fundraising because of my passion for helping others. I love Student Series because it teaches students the importance of giving back. I’m extremely excited to join the Student Series team at LLS!"

We are happy to have Meg as part of the North Texas family.  Reach out and introduce yourself.  She can be contacted at Meg.Wilder@lls.org or (972) 996-5920.

Dallas Light The Night Honored Hero: Raina Stoescu

Raina Stroescu at the 2015 Dallas Light The Night Walk

The Light The Night Walk (LTN) to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) celebrates participants in all stages of a cancer battle - patients, survivors, caregivers, friends and family.  Each year the LTN team selects a couple honored heroes for each walk site to serve as inspiration.

Raina Stroescu is one of the 2016 honored heroes for the Dallas Mega Walk.  As you read her story, as told by her mother, you will see why she was chosen for this honor.  She is the embodiment of what an honored hero should be - determined, optimistic, dedicated, and selfless.

"Raina Elizabeth Stroescu was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma early stage 2A on July 30, 2015.  The following week, after undergoing a variety of tests and scans, the staging was confirmed and the course of treatment was set and presented to us by the assigned oncology team. She had her port implanted a few days after, giving herself the new name  “The Terminator”, never doubting that her cancer would be terminated.

And that’s exactly what she did with the help of her wonderful team of doctors and nurses.

In early August she began the difficult journey of healing, starting with two rounds of  chemotherapy,  infusions and prescriptions. While this journey was hard on her and us as parents, Raina nor we ever doubted that the outcome would be anything but positive.

Her first day entering a new high school where she was the “new “ girl was also the day she had to leave early to have her last chemotherapy session of her first round.  There were a lot of firsts and lasts that happened during that week.  Hair loss was a 50/50 possibility and by the end of that week it was evident that she would lose her hair. Again in this moment Raina overcame her fears and dealt with this challenge as she had with all of the diagnosis, in an amazingly positive and confident manner, even throwing in some of her great sense of humor, naming her new wig “Lizzie” …yes she named her wig.  She went to school with a new look, her head held up high and bearing her same familiar smile and positive attitude.

This  amazing attitude, mental toughness and her faith carried her all the way through the second round of chemotherapy.  She continued to go to school and practice with her club soccer team as much as possible on the days she felt good and had enough energy. She even tried out for her high school varsity soccer team as a freshman and ultimately made the team.

Our amazing daughter set an outstanding example for all those around her on how to manage challenges.  Her teammates and friends saw her without her long hair wearing only a Nike headband on her head and saw her JUST DO IT. Her classmates saw her attend class and stick with her projects as best she could.

In October after her chemotherapy ended she had her scans again to find out if the cancer was gone. The chemo worked and thankfully the scans showed no signs of cancer.  Her treatment protocol required follow up with low-dose localized radiation therapy to her neck and upper chest area to ensure that even the tiniest cancer cells that may have been missed by the recent scans after chemotherapy were completely “terminated”.  Radiation was not painful for her but rather time consuming and involved some long-term risks that had to be considered. However, all of us felt very confident in the competency and ability of our excellent medical team at UT Southwestern and getting over this final hurdle.  She completed the radiation treatment plan mid-November right after her 15^th birthday and just in time for a great and very special Thanksgiving celebration.

Raina was asked by her former elementary school to be their honored hero to launch their Pasta for Pennies campaign for LLS. She presented a speech to the school, parents and faculty that day bringing tears to our eyes as she said to them,  “Don’t let your challenges control you. Take control of your challenges”.

Another awesome event was coordinated with her Sting Soccer club team and church youth group as they formed Team Raina to walk in the 2015 Light the Night Walk supporting LLS.

These events were definite highlights as they both raised awareness, especially among her peers, giving Raina the opportunity to share her story of hope.

We are extremely blessed and grateful Raina is cancer free today.  Neither her or us could have gone through this difficult time without great support from family and friends and a wonderfully compassionate medical team…making all the difference in our world.

Raina will be on a maintenance plan of doctor visits, scans and checkups for the next several years but she will keep on shining her loving light as she has since she was born."

Inspired by Raina?  Consider walking alongside her on Sunday, November 6th at the Dallas Mega Walk at Trinity Groves.  Registration is now open.

Meet The Man Behind the Camera

Meet Mark Lenz.  He's the man behind the camera at a number of events for the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).  If you have ever looked at the pictures after a race, walk or climb and felt like you were there; it's because Mark's creativity behind the lens captures the essence of the event and the teams participating.  He is a longtime member of the North Texas Board of Trustees and also serves on the Links Fore Leukemia Golf Tournament committee.

Tell us about your history with LLS in North Texas.

My friend, Jim Willis, was diagnosed with leukemia in the mid 1990s and I played in the first Links Fore Leukemia Golf Tournament that he started with fellow blood cancer patient Bob Barker in 1997.  Bob is still with us, but Jim is not.  I stay involved to support Bob, who has fought the good fight and still is doing so.  After volunteering on the golf committee for years, I was approached to join the board of trustees and have been involved with the board since 2002.

Since I started volunteering with LLS in 1997, I have experienced blood cancers in my extended family.  My cousin’s daughter passed away at the age of nine, just after starting treatment for her blood cancer and another cousin has chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Participation with LLS has become a family affair.  Tell us more about that.

My father has participated in the Links Fore Leukemia Golf Tournament for many years and has encouraged his friends to get involved.  My wife, Patti, has participated in or volunteered in several events over the years, including many years in the School and Youth program when our children were still in school.  My son, Brian, has volunteered at the golf tournament several times and has participated in the Big D Climb.

What makes photographing LLS events so challenging?

There is so much going on and trying to find something that tells the story amidst all of the chaos is the challenge.  The group shots and the actual event shots are always part of what I do, but finding something special that says why we raise money to fight the fight without needing words is what I try to look for.  And it is not always there or easy to find in a large group of people.

Rewarding?

Being able to interact with participants in the events and learn their stories, even if just briefly, and thanking them for their participation since they take time out of their schedules to be there instead of doing something else.  Hopefully I can take shots that they will share with their friends and family to show what we do and maybe get more participants the next time, or shots that the LLS can use to market what we do in a more productive way.

Which are your favorite pictures from events?

Photos that tell a story without words, like the photo of the boy with the tag saying I am walking for my mommy from Fort Worth Light The Night Walk a few years ago, or the boy with white lantern on his father’s shoulders in Fort Worth a couple weeks ago.  (White lanterns are carried by survivors, red by supporters and gold in honor of those who have lost their battle with a blood cancer.)  Otherwise, it is groups or individuals that really show they back the cause, because of what they are wearing, or a sign created for the event, or just how they act.

You can see more of Mark's photos on our Facebook page.  Like us today and follow along with Mark's incredible work.