Hurricane Harvey Disaster - Grant for Blood Cancer Patients

Patient Access Manager, Dawn Guerrero, speaks about recent events in Texas.

The past two weeks have been especially tough for Texans. Hurricane Harvey has left many of our neighbors without a home or unable to return home.  I’ve seen reports of families stuck on the second floor of their homes, or those that have lost their normal transportation because of flooding.  When we add the pain and trauma of battling blood cancer, I can only imagine the stresses of trying to get to a doctor’s appointment or losing that life supporting medicine.  I’m proud to let you know that LLS is here for you.  This announcement was released today:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) joins the nation and the world in concern for those affected by the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey, and we extend our condolences to the families of those lost in this natural disaster. We recognize that many of the individuals and families impacted in Texas and Louisiana are blood cancer patients and their families, and that many have been displaced from their homes, are unable to reach their physician or treatment center, or have lost their medications due to the flooding.

In response to the Hurricane Harvey disaster, LLS, as a patients first organization, is committing up to $1 million to provide direct support to blood cancer patients in impacted communities to help with travel to treatment centers and doctor appointments, to replace medications lost due to storm damage, and other needs directly related to the hurricane.  Eligible blood cancer patients who live in declared disaster areas will receive $500. Patients must be in active treatment, scheduled to begin treatment or are being monitored by their doctor.

If you are or know someone that was affected, please visit this site to see if you qualify for this new grant:  http://www.lls.org/hurricane-harvey-relief

The application process is online and is now active.  Additionally, please encourage patients and families to call our Blood Cancer Information Specialists at 800-955-4572 for information and support.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Dawn Guerrero is the Patient Access Manager of the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and author of this monthly blog series.  She has a Masters in Business Administration and has experience working with varied aspects of the healthcare industry. 

Contact Dawn:

Dawn.Guerrero@lls.org 
972-996-5905

Looking For Interns

Karsyn Scherer is a senior journalism student at the University of North Texas. She grew up in McKinney, Texas. Karsyn lost her dad to Leukemia when she was 11 years old. Since then, she has enjoyed dancing, writing and yoga. After graduation, she hopes to continue to help create a world without blood cancers.  Karsyn just finished a summer internship with the North Texas Chapter.

What made you decide to intern at LLS?
I chose to intern at LLS because my dad lost his life to Leukemia seven days after my 11th birthday. The trauma really got to me, so I want to do my part to help avoid that situation for others.

Which campaign were you involved with this summer?
I worked on multiple campaigns but the two I did the most work with were Links Fore Leukemia and Man and Woman of the Year.

What would you consider the most valuable part of your internship?
I value the real world experience that I received while interning for LLS, but the fact that my time helped others is what I value most.

What skills will you take with you from this internship to utilize in your future endeavors?
I learned how to organize events, help others fundraise, how to ask and receive donations and how to work in a professional environment.

* * * * * *

We are currently seeking fall interns for both the Dallas and Fort Worth offices.  Contact Alexis Meyer at Alexis.Meyer@lls.org to learn more about the available opportunities.  Find the job description and application info here. 

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

Emily's Story

"Whether it was addressing thank you letters or helping to fill out grant applications, it always felt like I was making some sort of difference."  Emily, a junior at the University of Notre Dame, talks about her summer internship program with the North Texas Chapter.

We are currently seeking fall interns for both the Dallas and Fort Worth offices. Contact Alexis Meyer at Alexis.Meyer@lls.org to learn more about the available opportunities.

Read on for a little interview with Emily. 

I'm originally from Allen, TX and graduated from Ursuline Academy of Dallas in 2015. I'm currently a junior finance and economics major with an Italian minor at the University of Notre Dame. At school, I am involved with student government, serve as my dorm's service commissioner, and intern at the Ronald McDonald Family Center of South Bend. I have loved getting the chance to be a part of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light The Night and Team In Training programs this summer and hope to be able to participate in a Team In Training running event sometime soon!

What made you decide to intern at LLS?

I first learned about LLS from my cousin Peggy Stephens who works with Light The Night in Houston. Her work for that campaign and with LLS in general completely blew me away so when I learned about this opportunity in Dallas, I could not wait to be a part of the work that LLS does and to learn more about the programs that we offer.

Which campaign were you involved with this summer?

I worked with the Light The Night and Team In Training campaigns which gave me the unique opportunity to learn about two different types programs. As a part of Light The Night, I had the chance to communicate with teams about fundraising goal setting and learn about the preparation involved for the Corporate Recruitment Event. As a part of Team In Training, I communicated regularly with coaches and volunteers, recruited volunteers for fundraising events, and had the chance to meet several TNT participants from when I attended our annual Too Hot To Handle event.

What would you consider the most valuable part of your internship?

While I learned a lot throughout this internship, the most valuable thing for me was that every time I came into the office, I was reminded that I was doing something to help someone who had been affected by blood cancer. Whether it was addressing thank you letters or helping to fill out grant applications, it always felt like I was making some sort of difference.

What skills will you take with you from this internship to utilize in your future endeavors?

Throughout this internship, I have had the chance to further develop my communication skills and to learn more about long-term event planning. With Light The Night, I was able to speak directly with team captains over the phone and help them with goal setting. I also sat in on a meeting about long-term planning for the LTN event and the kickoff events leading up to it. With Team In Training, I sent weekly updates to coaches and volunteers and had the opportunity to take the lead on recruiting volunteers for our Too Hot To Handle event. I loved being a part of these programs this summer and look forward to applying the skills as I continue in school next year.

* * * * * * *

We are currently seeking fall interns for both the Dallas and Fort Worth offices. Contact Alexis Meyer at Alexis.Meyer@lls.org to learn more about the available opportunities.  Find the job description and application info here. 

"My personal goal was to live until the next LLS conference because each year the research was improving."

Calvin Harkless and his wife make the drive from Edmond, OK to Dallas, TX every year to attend the North Texas Cancer Expo presented by Briggs Equipment.  They make a point not to miss it.  Why?  We'll let Calvin tell you in his own inspiring words.

"I was diagnosed December 24, 2010 with stage four multiple myeloma, cancer of the bone marrow. On January 5, 2011 I started weekly IV chemo infusions. I had no idea it would be four years and four months later before being taken off of all cancer treatment and drugs. 

My wife and I made it our mission to attend the North Texas Cancer Expo (formerly the North Texas Blood Cancer Conference) sponsored by The Leukemia &Lymphoma Society (LLS) each year. In 2011, we attended our first LLS conference and was overwhelmed by the information on Multiple Myeloma and other blood cancers. While attending the various sessions I recall thinking “I have a new paradigm for a hero.” The men and women, who dedicate their life to research and technology to find a cure for cancer, there can be no higher calling.

Having access to the top researchers in blood cancer, face to face Q&A with pharmaceutical representatives, networking with other blood cancer patients and care providers and hearing the many inspiring testimonies were invaluable. The LLS conference became my Christmas, each year anxiously waiting to hear about the new drugs approved and future research on blood cancer. My personal goal was to live until the next LLS conference because each year the research was improving.   

The highlight of attending the LLS conference was in 2012 after the FDA approved Velcade to be administered subcutaneous. The announcement was made during a presentation at the conference. At my next appointment with my oncologist, I shared the information on the FDA approval of Velcade to be administered subcutaneous and provided supporting documentation collected from the conference. This began the process of changing the hospital protocol from IV to subcutaneous injections. The following week the pharmaceutical representative confirmed the FDA approval during a doctor visit. I became very emotional having my chemo infusion for the first time subcutaneous. Each year after attending the LLS conference I would share with my oncologist the current research on Multiple Myeloma.

I was taken off of cancer treatment and drugs on May 2015.  In August 2016 no multiple myeloma cells were found active in my body. My wife and I will always be an advocate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society."

Don't miss your opportunity to participate in the FREE 2017 North Texas Cancer Expo presented by Briggs Equipment.  Registration is now open for the expo as well as the general and healthcare sessions.  The event is free but requires registration.  

Saturday, September 16th
Omni Hotel, Dallas, TX
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

www.ntxcancerexpo.org

Meet Heather Evans - New LLS Staff

Heather Evans has been involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society since 2008 when she began as a volunteer for the Georgia chapter. She lost her grandfather to Multiple Myeloma so she says that she will fight until there is a cure. Heather will be managing the Team In Training program in North Texas.  Below she answered a couple questions about herself.

1. Tell us about your nonprofit background.

I have been involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society since 2008. I began as a volunteer and intern with Georgia Chapter of Light The Night. I worked on the Atlanta event in 2008 and after my internship finished, I transitioned into a coordinator position with Student Series. I worked with schools across Georgia to implement planning meetings and school assemblies. During the 2008- 2009 school year, Georgia schools raised nearly $509,000 to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In January 2010, I transitioned back to Light The Night as a Campaign Manager. I worked with 15 corporate teams in Metro Atlanta and also oversaw the event in Albany, GA. In addition to working on Student Series and Light The Night, I also started training for my first Team In Training event as a teammate in 2009 and served as Team In Training Mentor in 2010.

2. What attracted you to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society?

The mission. I lost my grandfather to Multiple Myeloma . At the end of his battle he was in ICU; I was too young at the time to go up to the ICU floor. My grandfather passed away the day he was supposed to come home; I never got to say goodbye in person. I remember getting home from school that day, excited to go to visit him. My mom should have been waiting for me, but it was my dad’s car parked in the driveway; dad was always home for dinner, but not usually earlier during the work week. I knew as soon as I saw my dad’s car that my grandfather hadn’t made it home that day. I miss him every day and I am committed to finding a cure, so no one else has to lose their grandfather or grandmother, mother or father, son or daughter, brother or sister, or friend or any other member of their family. I will fight until there is a cure.

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

The best part about helping others reach their fundraising goals is when they make it! People come to Team In Training for a variety of reasons; some of a connection to the mission, others have a fitness goal, but no matter what originally brought them to TNT, nothing beats the feeling of knowing you have reached your fundraising goal, and those dollars that you have raised will go towards making tremendous strides in the fight against blood cancers!

4. What are you most looking forward to with the Team In Training Campaign this year?

Having participated in TNT myself, I always look most forward to watching the teammates cross the finish line in their purple jersey. I hope that all teammates wear their purple with pride. Completing an endurance event isn’t easy, but these amazing teammates complete their events while also raising thousands of dollars for blood cancer. Whether it’s someone’s first or fiftieth TNT event, there is so much to celebrate as they cross the finish line; because of them we are one step closer to a cure.


5. What do you want people to know about you?

I live by the saying that “Life is a journey…not a destination.” It’s been written across my feet since I was eighteen years old; after all, our feet are the means by which we take our journey.  I have a passion for travel and have visited over twenty-five countries.  I am committed to making my own journey on this planet and everyone’s as meaningful as possible.

You can find Heather in and out of our Dallas office.  She can be reached via email at heather.evans@lls.org or phone at 972.996.5939. Welcome to LLS!  We are so excited to have you on board.

Meet Kristen Rheinlander

Kristen Rheinlander is the newest face that you will see when you come into our Fort Worth Office.  She is managing our Light The Night event in Fort Worth. Kristen has been personally affected by Leukemia and comes to LLS with a strong background in non profits. Below she answered a couple questions about herself:

1. Tell us about your nonprofit background.
I have been involved in numerous nonprofit organizations volunteering for The USO, Defenders of Freedom, Canine Companions for Independence and the Ronald McDonald House of both Fort Worth and Dallas. Volunteering, and now ultimately having my career in nonprofits, brings so much gratification and joy to my daily life. I am so fortunate to be able to help others on a daily basis and really makes every day at the office feel rewarding.


2. What attracted you to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society?

Leukemia has personally effected my family, and when the opportunity arose to work for an organization that is so strong within the Fort Worth Community, I knew my heart was with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society North Texas Chapter.


3. What do you think is so interesting about working with teams and individuals in a fundraising capacity?
I love that everyone VOLUNTEERS their time and money to such a worthy cause. As volunteers they have their own personal and unique reason to support our mission, yet the overwhelming goal to bring light to the darkness of cancer. While they could choose to look at cancer as such a dark and lonely space, they instead come together and inspire each other and become a light in each other’s lives.


4. What are you most looking forward to at the Light The Night Walk in Fort Worth?

I am excited to see the Fort Worth community come together and spread hope and joy to one another. While many of them will come as stranger, they all come together for one common mission, and I look forward to seeing friendships formed and fun being had throughout the night.


5. What do you want people to know about you?

I come from both a personal and professional background in sports, where I felt something was missing, so I turned my career to nonprofits. I have always had a heart for helping others and I look forward to making my passion my purpose in the fundraising sector of the nonprofit world. I am thrilled to work for such a worthy cause and can already tell The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will make my life and heart even that much greater.

You can find Kristen in and out of our Fort Worth office.  She can be reached via email at kristen.rheinlander@lls.org or phone at 817-288-2634.  Welcome to LLS!  We are so excited to have you on board.

Links Fore Leukemia Helicopter Ball Drop

Have you purchased your entries for the 3rd Annual Helicopter Ball Drop presented by Elbit Systems of America yet?  

Sales are going quickly - don't miss your chance to win $2,000 at the Links Fore Leukemia Golf Tournament presented by Venari Resources.

2016 Helicopter Ball Drop

Here's How It Works:

1. Purchase a single ball or a package of balls by clicking here.*You do not need to be present to win*

2.  The balls will be taken above the putting green the morning of the tournament and dropped down towards a hole.

3.  Any ball that falls directly in the hole will win $2,000!  There are additional prizes for the top three balls that are closest to the pin.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to win BIG and support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

 

Meet Makenna: Links Fore Leukemia Honored Hero

The Links Fore Leukemia Golf Tournament presented by Venari Resources is a day of great golf, competition and camaraderie.  Most importantly, the tournament exists to help fund The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's relentless drive to find cures for blood cancers.

Ten-year-old Makenna has agreed to serve as the 2017 Honored Hero.  She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) just days before her 8th birthday.  Doctors quickly learned she had a mutation that made her leukemia more difficult to treat.  She faced 10 different types of chemotherapy, 25 spinal taps, and countless needle pokes.  After 10 months of intense chemotherapy treatment, she is in remission!  Although she continues to receive monthly maintenance chemo through her port, as well as daily chemo pills at home, she is thankful to be back in school and participating in the activities that she loves.

Since her diagnosis, Makenna has embraced her diagnosis and the opportunity to educate other children about leukemia and why it's important to fund research.  As Makenna likes to say, she looks forward to a time when "they can give you a shot to prevent leukemia from ever happening!"
We are inspired by her strong spirit and fierce determination not to let her leukemia diagnosis stop her from enjoying childhood.

Three Ways to Get Involved:
Inspired by Makenna's story to get involved?  Here are three ways you can get involved with the tournament today:
1. Register yourself and your foursome to play in the tournament.
2. Purchase a group of golf balls for the Helicopter Ball Drop presented by Elbit Systems of America
3. Share this post with somebody who would be interested in golfing with us.

Save the Date:
Monday, June 26th
TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas
www.linksforeleukemiadallas.org

Introducing Marla Wilson

The North Texas Chapter is proud to introduce you to Marla Wilson, the newest member of the chapter's leadership team.  Marla is the Senior Director responsible for the Light The Night Walk and the Saint Valentine's Day Luncheon & Fashion Show.  She comes to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) with extensive nonprofit experience.  Below she answered a couple questions about herself:

Tell us about your previous nonprofit experience. 
I come to LLS from Honey Shine, Inc. where I served as the National Executive Vice President.  Honey Shine, Inc. is a mentoring and educational program for school-age girls, based in Miami, FL.  Before Honey Shine, I served as a Senior Director with the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Campaign, and the Executive Director for the March of Dimes.   I am also the founder of the 1 Percent Circle, an exclusive consulting group that matches high profile clients with mission-related initiatives.

I attribute my passion for service to my parents who taught me the importance of being a positive contributing citizen.

What drew you to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society? 
The LLS mission and research success driven by this organization are very important to me.  I also have a couple personal connections to blood cancers.  I have a family member currently battling acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and another family member in treatment for lymphoma.

What have you learned about LLS supporters in North Texas during your brief time with LLS?
I have been very pleased to discover that North Texas supporters are very passionate and highly educated on the importance of philanthropy and volunteer leadership.

What are you most looking forward to with the Light The Night Walk? 
I am coming into Light The Night at a very exciting time.  The Dallas and Fort Worth Walks are both adding some really impactful new features to the Walk experience and both are on the brink of explosive growth.  I am happy to be here for both.

What are you most looking forward to with the Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show? 
I am looking forward to expanding the exciting possibilities that will bridge generational philanthropy from traditional donors to young professionals.

Marla is the proud mother of twins, Malik and Mijani, both of whom are currently in college in Texas.

If you would like to personally welcome Marla to North Texas, she can be reached via email at marla.wilson@lls.org or phone at (972) 996-5919.

Welcome to North Texas, Marla!

How to Support Man & Woman of the Year Candidates

The Dallas and Fort Worth Man & Woman of the Year campaign is in full swing!  Are you looking to find ways to support the candidates and their fundraising efforts?  You've come to the right place. 

 Below is a full list of the events the candidates have organized to benefit their fundraising efforts. 

Shop for a Cause at St. John
Hosted by: Dean Driver, Dallas

Highland Park Village

Wednesday, May 3rd

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
10% of proceeds will benefit LLS

Private Cooking Class with Wine & Chocolate Pairing
Featuring chefs: Jon Bonnell and Kevin Wenzel
Hosted by: Sheila Jackson, Fort Worth
Central Market – Fort Worth
Wednesday, May 3rd
6:30-9:00 pm
4651 West Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76107
RSVP: Online

Celebrity Bartending Event
Hosted by: Michael Crain, Fort Worth
GRACE
Thursday, May 4th
5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
777 Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Shop for a Cause with Christian Louboutin

Hosted by: Kimberly Alexander, Dallas

Highland Park Village

Thursday, May 4th

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

RSVP: J.Hudson@us.christianlouboutin.com

10% of proceeds will benefit LLS

Shop for Mom at Feathers
Hosted by: Sheila Jackson, Fort Worth
Feathers
2621 Whitmore Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Thursday, May 11th
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Portion of proceeds will benefit LLS

Sip and Shop at J. McLaughlin

Hosted by: Sheila Jackson, Fort Worth

J. McLaughlin

Thursday, May 11^th

10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

1612 S. University Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76107

15% of proceeds will benefit LLS

Gogo in a Tutu
Hosted by: Dr. Ken Heym, Fort Worth

ZYN22
Friday, May 12th
6:30 p.m.
3236 W. 7th St.  Fort Worth, TX
100% of class fee will benefit LLS

Kendra Gives Back Party
Hosted by: Darryl Ferguson, Dallas
Kendra Scott at Watters Creek
Monday, May 15th
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
20% of proceeds will benefit LLS

NEW!
Shop for a Cause
Hosted by: Dean Driver, Dallas
Hublot Dallas Boutique
8687 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 1332
Thursday, May 18th
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
10% of proceeds will benefit LLS

Celebrity Bartending Event
Hosted by: Sheila Jackson, Fort Worth
GRACE
Thursday, May 18th
5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
777 Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102 

Painting With a Twist
Hosted by: Laura Norton, Dallas
Painting With a Twist, Lewisville

Sunday, May 21st
3:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m.
RSVP: Online

NEW!
One Drop of Love
Hosted by: Daryl Wallace, Dallas
Perry's Steak House & Grill
2000 McKinney Ave.

Monday, May 22nd
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
RSVP: pdg1294@gmail.com

An Evening with Rolando Diaz
Hosted by: Rolando Diaz, Dallas
South Side on Lamar

Thursday, May 25th

6:30 p.m.
RSVP: roe41@hotmail.com

Fort Worth MWOY Grand Finale Gala
Hosted by: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Fort Worth Convention Center
Saturday, May 20th
6:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
RSVP: Brian.Brooks@lls.org

NEW!
We Got the Jazz & the BBQ
Hosted by: Dr. Larry Anderson
Mayfaire Turtle Creek Sky Club
Tuesday, May 30th
6:30 p.m.

NEW!
An Evening with Rolando Diaz
Hosted by: Mr. & Mrs. Bill Taylor
Ritz Carlton Hotel
Sunday, June 4th
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Dallas MWOY Grand Finale Gala

Hosted by: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Ritz Carlton Hotel
Saturday, June 17th
6:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
RSVP: Emile.Blaine@lls.org

If you would like to learn more about any of these events, please contact Emile Blaine at Emile.Blaine@lls.org or (972) 996-5932.

Best of luck to all of the candidates!

Student of the Year Winner Stephen McCarty Raises $51,250

The Grand Finale Gala for the North Texas Student of the Year campaign was held last Friday night at the Renaissance Hotel in Dallas.  A group of six dedicated and driven local high school students raised more than $61,996 in six weeks!

Stephen McCarty, a student at Covenant Classical School in Fort Worth, raised more than $51,250 and was named the 2017 North Texas Student of the Year.  He jumped at the opportunity to participate in the program because his father is currently undergoing treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), one of the deadliest types of leukemia.  Stephen said he fundraised because he knows first-hand the impact a cancer diagnosis can have on a family.  Stephen used social media pages like Caring Bridge to help generate awareness of his campaign.  He sent fundraising letters to all of his family and friends and hosted several fun events at local venues in the Fort Worth area.  His Luau for Leukemia night and his Bingo night brought in over $3,500 for his campaign.

The success, creativity and ingenuity of the Student of the Year candidates far surpassed all expectations of the North Texas staff and Board of Trustees members.  Thank you to all of the students who participated!

Recruitment is already underway for the 2018 Student of the Year campaign.  High school sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to raise money for LLS and win college scholarships.  Learn more about the campaign here or contact Jessica Buckman.

Meet the Fort Worth Boy & Girl of the Year

The Fort Worth Man & Woman of the Year campaign is off to a strong start.  The six candidates are raising funds in honor of Katie Thomson and Jaden Lowery, our Boy and Girl of the Year.  The Boy & Girl of the Year are local blood cancer survivors who represent thousands of children and adults who are fighting blood cancers every day. 

Meet Katie Thomson

On January 24, 2015, when she was 10 years old, Katherine (Katie) was diagnosed with High Risk B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. When her cancer did not go into remission after the first round of chemo, Katie’s diagnosis was changed from “High Risk” to “Very High Risk”. With the new diagnosis came a new treatment plan, and Katie learned that she would need to receive a bone marrow transplant. Katie spent 10 weeks on the hematology/oncology floor at Cook Children’s and another 4 weeks in the Bone Marrow Unit. She received her transplant on April 22, 2015 and is doing very well! She enjoys all types of art projects, dancing, spending time with family and cuddling with her dog, Dolly.

Meet Jaden Lowery

Jaden, is a courageous 7 year old that fought cancer like a warrior! Jaden was 6 years old, and five weeks into his first grade year at a new school, when he was diagnosed with B Cell Lymphoma. Everywhere he goes, he somehow manages to touch the heart of others. He adores his little sister, Cameron (1 year old), and thrives to teach her everything he knows. Today, he has monthly doctor visits consisting of blood draws and physical exams by his hematologist. He still enjoys church, karate, soccer, and going to school. His favorite subject is math. Jaden wants to be a surgeon when he grows up to help other children. Jaden's parents say that they are extremely blessed and extremely thankful for the wonderful physicians and staff at Cooks Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth Texas.

* * * *

The Fort Worth MWOY campaign is running alongside the Dallas MWOY campaign.  The Grand Finale Gala will be help on Saturday , May 20th at the Fort Worth Convention Center in the main ballroom. Tickets are now available for purchase.

We wish all of the candidates the best of luck!

www.mwoy.org/ntx 

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.

Dallas Man & Woman of the Year Campaign Kicks Off

Last night at the Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse seven well-known Dallas business and community leaders kicked off the 3rd Annual Dallas Man & Woman of the Year (MWOY) campaign. The event, which is a signature campaign of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is a ten week fundraising blitz among business and civic leaders in the Dallas community.  Each candidate competes for donations and the candidate with the most is revealed during the Grand Finale Gala and named the Man and the Woman of the Year.  The candidates and their campaign teams launched their 10-week fundraising blitz yesterday. 

The 2017 candidates represent a diverse group of industries and connections to the LLS mission.

Nicole Barrett

Nicole Barrett Radio Show, iHeart Radio

Rolando Diaz

Artist

Dean Driver
Allen Dean Home

Darryl Ferguson
Zebra Technologies

Kay Hammond
Dave Perry Miller Real Estate

Amy Hampton
Sociologie Wines

Laura Norton
Educator

The MWOY of the year candidates are raising money in honor of the Boy and Girl of the Year, Jude Cobler and Chloe Brown.

The campaign will end with the Grand Finale Gala on Saturday, June 17th at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dallas. The Dallas MWOY campaign will run in addition to the Fort Worth campaign.  2017 marks the third year Dallas has hosted this campaign.  During its brief history, the Dallas MWOY campaign has raised more than $900,000.

We wish all of the candidates the best of luck!

www.mwoy.org/ntx

Student of the Year Candidate: Alexandra King

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).  McKinney High School student Alexandra King 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 saw this on my school's naviance account under scholarship opportunities originally. When I read the description, I thought it was an admirable cause and saw it as an opportunity to help others and help my education.

What other organizations or extracurricular activities are you involved in?

I am involved with my high school's Kiwanis Club - or Key Club for short. This club is all about helping the community through volunteer service. We actively help everyone from disabled children to low-income seniors. 

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

I hope to gain many skills from this program. I want to be able to talk with others, to rally others, and to support this cause. 

Where are you planning to go to school next year?

I am currently a sophomore, so next year I'll still be at my high school. However, I am still looking for a college that will give me a major in animation and/or the fine arts!

Favorite Quote:

"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." -Albert Einstein

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.

Student of the Year Candidate: Edward Vissoni

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).  Lamar High School student Edward Vissoni is one of the candidates and introduced himself and discusses why he chose to compete in this campaign this year.

What interested you in applying for Student of the Year?

I am a survivor of stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and personally know what it's like to go through the treatment of a life-threatening disease.  It is only natural for me to want to join the fight so that some day there will be a cure.

What other organizations or extracurricular activities are you involved in?

Besides the Student of the Year campaign, I am also a member of my high school band.

What are you hoping to achieve while participating in this campaign?

I hope that through this competition I will gain experience about what it means to raise money for others and to meet people whose lives have been affected by cancer. 

Where are you planning to go to school next year?

I will be going on a church service trip as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  When I return, I hope to attend University of Texas at Arlington and major in biomedical engineering.

Favorite Quote: 

 "Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we will also be with thee: be of good courage, and do it" - Ezra 10:4

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.