New Patient Services Access Manager

We are excited to introduce the new North Texas Patient Access Manager. Dawn Guerrero comes to LLS after recently completing her Masters in Business Administration degree at the local Argosy University campus here in Dallas. She has experience with multiple non profits including the Red Cross in Virginia.  Dawn will be working directly with all of our patients. She took a few minutes to answer a few questions so we can all meet her.

1. Tell us about your nonprofit background.  
For seven years I worked with the American Red Cross in Virginia running the regional stem cell donor program.  There we educated and recruited donors and then facilitated the donation process when a match was found.

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

When I saw the opening for Patient Access Manager, I knew it was the perfect fit for my skills and interests.  Now I can impact more lives by supporting patients directly.  
 
3. Tell us about your history in working with patients and the cancer industry.

My past experience was on the donor side of the transplant world.  My center facilitated both bone marrow transplants and peripheral blood cell transplants.  My center was one of the first centers to perform an allogeneic PBSC donation through the National Marrow Donor Program.
4. What are you most looking forward to with interacting with the North Texas Community?
Impacting lives and making sure the services that are needed in the community are readily available. 

5. What do you want people to know about you?
I grew up an avid soccer player and even played on a German women’s professional team when I was younger.  I continue my obsession with sports by now watching soccer, football, hockey and tennis as a fan. After tearing my ACL I decided to switch to a tamer sport, tennis, in order to stay active.

_______________________________________________________________________________

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

Dallas Light The Night Honored Hero: Brennen Lyons

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.

Brennen Lyons is one of the 2017 honored heroes for the Dallas Walk.  As you read his story, told by his mother, you will see why he was chosen for this honor.  He is such a strong little boy.

Brennen was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 2.

His mother tells his story in her own words.

"Just the word “Leukemia” was scary to me at the time.  I had no idea everything that went along with it and the journey we were about to be on as a family.  I guess the story really starts the first week of June.  I had to be admitted to the hospital to be monitored for a week before I could deliver Brennen’s little sister, Brooklyn.  It was the first time I had been away from Brennen overnight.  He started to be extremely cranky, not eating well and waking up at night.  We contributed it all to the fact he was away from his mommy for the first time.  I finally delivered my baby girl on June 11, 2010.  That day, my parents brought Brennen up to the hospital to see me and his new sister.  I immediately asked them if they thought his face looked puffy.  Everyone told me he looked fine and nothing was wrong.  However, when we got home, the crying, not eating well, etc. continued.  I called his pediatrician and got a same day appointment.  Verdict- ear infection.  Ok, no big deal.  He had several before this one.  But two days later and he was not improving and now his little lymph nodes were swollen.  Took him back to pediatrician and they explained the infection was just really bad and gave a stronger antibiotic.  Next morning, his little neck looked like he swallowed a golf ball.  Once again, back to the pediatrician.  This time, they decided to run labs.  Nurse came back in the room and explained the sample didn’t work and they needed to get another sample.  I didn’t think much of it.  About 10 minutes later, the pediatrician came in and started crying.  Instinctively, I started crying and I didn’t even know anything yet!  The fact the doctor was crying was a very bad sign!  She explained to me that her machine wouldn’t even read Brennen’s white blood count due to it being high and that she was certain he has either Lymphoma or Leukemia.  My heart sunk but a part of me thought she could be wrong.   She called Texas Children’s Hospital and told them we were on our way.

When we arrived, they were indeed waiting for us.  They instantly took us back to a room, ran labs, did an echocardiogram, x-rays- you name it.  Within a few hours, they confirmed he had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  His WBC was so high they were afraid his little organs were going to shut down and he had a large mass around his heart and trachea.  He would have literally suffocated if I had not taken him in when I did and the mass continued to grow.  Due to his high counts, he was admitted to the ICU.  That day and the days to follow for the next 3 ½ years have left memories a mother should never have.  Watching what he had to go through was heartbreaking.

Brennen is truly my hero.  He would wear a smile even when in pain.  He endured 26 Lumbar punctures, 10 days of radiation, 6 cancer center hospital stays, 1 ICU stay, 7 blood transfusions, 2 bone marrow aspirations and 3 years, 3 months and 27 days of chemotherapy!!

I thank God every day for Brennen’s strength and courage to get through.  I am so grateful!  I pray for a cure so others do not have to go through this."

Inspired by Brennen? Consider walking alongside him on Saturday, November 11th at Trinity Groves in Dallas. Registration is now open. 

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 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.

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!

North Texas Cancer Expo: Keynote Speaker Announced

KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCED:
Lila Javan
Two-Time Cancer Survivor & Founder of Climb 2 Cure

The North Texas Chapter is honored to introduce Lila Javan as the keynote speaker for the 2017 North Texas Blood Cancer Conference.  Lila Javan is a two time cancer survivor and filmmaker who has photographed award-winning features, commercials, documentaries and short films. She is also the founder of Climb2Cure, a new LLS fundraising campaign.

Let's take a minute to meet Lila.

"My name is Lila Javan. In 2010, my life was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Leukemia (AML). I was told that my only chance for survival was a stem cell/bone marrow transplant. I had a bone marrow transplant that fall – my sister was my donor – and after a year in turmoil, I recovered and rebuilt my life as a cancer survivor.

In 2014, my next adventure was to be a solo trip to Africa to climb Kilimanjaro. The very week that I was booking my flights, I discovered that my cancer was back. In September of 2014, after another summer of chemo, I had a second transplant. This time it was stem cells from an unrelated donor.

While I was in the hospital, a friend took a window frame and placed a beautiful photograph of Kilimanjaro in it. He hung this on my wall opposite my bed. Throughout my treatment, I would
stare at that window and visualized myself climbing the mountain. My doctors and nurses all asked about the picture and I would tell them about my magical trip. An amazing thing happened - my solo trip became a group trip. Now, a group of 14 doctors, nurses, therapists and friends all wanted to journey with me to climb the highest peak in Africa.

I reached out to LLS to see if we could do the trek as a fundraiser for them, and "Climb2Cure" was born.  My solo climb evolved into a new Team In Training fundraising platform for LLS that will continue for years to come and expand to other mountain tops." 

 Lila's team raised an astonishing $133,000 for their climb.  She is turning her journey into a documentary film and already has her sights set on a new climb: Mount Everest.  Lila and her oncologist were interviewed after their climb for this NBC segment.

* * * *

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Lila Javan speak by registering today for the FREE North Texas Cancer Expo that will be held on Saturday, September 16th at the Omni Hotel in Dallas. 

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.

Free Patient Education Event: The 3 F's of Cancer

Please make plans to join us for the FREE Patient Education Event on April 7th. 

Register here

Student of the Year Candidate: Hayley Gross

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).  Lewisville senior Hayley Gross is one of the candidates and introduced herself and discusses why she chose to compete in this campaign this year.

What interested you about the Student of the Year Program?

I was interested in applying for Student of the Year because it was a great opportunity to raise money for those with cancer and to step up and be a leader in my community. 

What organizations are you currently involved in?
In addition to volunteering with LLS, I am also a member of Lewisville High School's National Honor Society, Interact Rotary Club, and Student Council. I am also the Community Service Officer for the 2016-2017 LHS HOSA (Future Healthcare Workers) Chapter. I volunteer once a week with Aspen Hospice to visit hospice patients in my community, and I volunteer one Sunday a month with my church to teach the pre-K classes.

What are you hoping to achieve through your Student of the Year experience?

While participating in this campaign, I hope to achieve my goal of $8,000, but more importantly, I hope to make an impact in the lives of children and adults living with cancer with all the money and awareness I raise. 

What are you plans for next year?

I am attending Stephen F. Austin next year in Nacogdoches, Texas. I will be majoring in Nursing, and once I graduate, I hope to work in the ICU for a few years before I go back to school to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. 

What is your favorite quote?"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  - Joshua 1:9

The Student of the Year campaign is a six week program where high school juniors and seniors compete for scholarships and the title of North Texas Student of the Year.  The campaign will end with a Grand Finale on Friday, April 7th.  We wish all the candidates the best of luck!

Saint Valentine's Day Luncheon & Fashion Show: Raffle Packages Revealed

The 2017 Saint Valentine's Day Luncheon & Fashion Show presented by Nancy C. & Richard R. Rogers is almost here!  Even if you are not planning on attending the Luncheon you can still bid on the exciting auction packages up for grabs.  Check out the packages below, purchase your ticket online and you will be contacted after the Luncheon on February 14th if you've won!

Platinum Ticket Raffle Item
$300 per ticket

Win a trip to Hawaii for a week with roundtrip airline tickets for two people.  Enjoy a week in Kauai at a luxurious oceanfront timeshare donated by Dr. and Mrs. Eric Hollabaugh on behalf of Douglas Cockrill, Sr.
$4,999 Value

- AND -

Dallas Auction Gallery has donated 18k gold earrings with 1.06ct. brilliant cut diamonds surrounded by amethyst, rose quartz, mother of pearl and topaz.
$5,600 Value

TOTAL VALUE: $10,599

Purchase your tickets here

Red Ticket Raffle Items

$200 per ticket

Ski in Style

One entry into your choice of red raffle package
Treat your valentine to a weekend getaway to gorgeous Vail, CO.  This package includes airfare for two and a weekend stay at The Sebastian - Vail, A Timbers Resort.
$3,400 Value

The Big Apple

See the sporty side of New York City with this auction package.  Win a trip for two to the big apple complete with airfare, a $250 voucher to the Omni Hotel and 4 tickets to see the New York City Nets play.
$3,600 Value

From the HeART

Painter Chris Martin is following the Luncheon's "Affair of the Heart" theme with his contribution.  The acclaimed painter has donated a "From the Heart" original acrylic painting that will fit in with your personal art collection.
$2,400 Value

Purchase your tickets here

Pink Ticket Raffle Items
$100 per ticket
One entry into your choice of red raffle package per ticket

Wine and Dine
18 Bottles of wine from Napa Valley's Coquerel Winery and a gift certificate $250 Three Forks Restaurant
$1,600 Value

Dine In Style
Del Frisco’s Dinner Party at Dallas location for 10 friends plus a Leggiadro scarf and gift certificate
$2,250 Value

Dallas Staycation
One night stay at the Omni ($250 gift certificate), a $250 Uchi gift certificate, four suit tickets to watch the Dallas Mavericks play, and the use of a Tesla for the weekend.
$2,500 Value

Smile, Sip and Shop
$1,000 gift certificate to Adean Kingston Cosmetic Dermatology, $500 gift certificate to St. John plus private champagne reception for you and up to 10 friends
$2,000 Value

Get Pampered
$1,000 gift certificate to Jennifer Stalkup Plano Dermatology, $500 gift certificate to Skinnovation, plus a $250 gift certificate to Kendra Scott and Mariposa.
$2,000 Value

His and Hers Package
$1,000 gift certificate to Lela Rose and 2 tickets to Dallas Stars game with Parking Pass
$1,600 Value

Design District
Set of Allan Knight designer lamps: square plaid glass etched lamps with a caramel mahogany wood base.
$3,000 Value

Shop Till You Drop
Highland Park Village Personal Shopping Experience
$1,500 Value

Get Glam
Dior Party with 9 friends with bubbles, bites and consultation paired with a $1,500 gift certificate to Dr. Bassichis Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery
$2,500 Value

Heart to Heart
Bachendorf's Heart Pendant Diamond Necklace and Kate Wiser Box of Chocolates
$1,200 Value

That’s My Style
V. Bruce Hoeskma Martini Glass Mini Clutch
$1,450 Value

 Purchase your tickets here

Questions?  Please contact Emile Blaine at (972) 996-5932 or Emile.Blaine@lls.org

Finish YOUR Race: An Interview With the Author

Don Armstrong, a leukemia survivor and ardent volunteer and advocate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), released his book Finish YOUR Race earlier today.  (Purchase it now on Amazon.)  It chronicles his journey from the moment he heard "you have cancer" to now.  His stories will inspire people with strategies and lessons he learned to accomplish their goals.  

Below Don answers a couple questions about the book and what compelled him to write it.

Why did you feel the desire to write this book?

I faced an illness eleven years ago that could have taken my life. My cancer journey was filled with uncertainty and challenges that tested me on a daily basis.  I learned a lot about myself and life on this journey.  I wrote Finish YOUR Race to share the extraordinary lessons and strategies I learned during my journey.  I won’t want anyone to experience what I did with cancer, however, I would like everyone to know what I learned along the way.

What about this book is different than other motivational books?

This is a terrific question with a fairly simple answer.  I lived every minute of every hour of every day of this journey. My book is about real life experiences of this journey and the impact it had on me.  This journey changed almost everything about me – priorities, goals, directions and motivations.  I share these revelations in hopes that they will have a positive impact on the reader.

           

What do you hope people will take away from this book?

Setback can affect all of our lives to varying degrees. It is my hope that the reader will be equipped with strategies to empower their life and overcome any setback.  In the final analysis it’s not the setback but the way it’s handled that determines who we are in this world. Ultimately, it’s never too late to make a difference in yourself and others.  With courage, focus, and a positive spirit, you can discover, or rediscover, what living your best life means to you.

How did LLS play a role in your story?

The advancements made by LLS, since it was founded in 1949, made it possible for me to be alive today.  All of the dollars raised since 1949 led to the advancements such as chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation and so much more.  I don’t know that I would be here today if it wasn’t for the advancements and successes of LLS.

Don is donating 10% of his book sales TODAY to LLS.  Pick up your copy online by clicking here.