Did you know that every three minutes, someone is diagnosed with a type of blood cancer? That fact may sound completely crazy, but it is, in fact, true. With blood cancer being the third most common type of cancer in the United States, something must be done. In 1949, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was founded as a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for blood cancer research. Their mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. With the assistance of LLS, their goal is to raise money for blood cancer research, advocate for the lives of cancer patients, and provide support and education for the lives of the cancer patients and their families. 

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has been working tirelessly to end cancer since 1949. LLS has been very successful; 56 of the 66 blood cancer treatment options approved by the FDA have had significant funding and help from LLS. 

With more than 100,00 volunteer advocates mobilized across the United States, LLS has a massive presence in fundraising, especially with the help of students in their Students of the Year program, based on the Man & Women of the Year program. Two Upper St. Clair High School students currently have the honor of running the team LLS All-Stars in a Students of the Year Campaign through LLS of Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Stephanie Spina and Maggie Lowden have a goal to raise $35,000 between now and March 26th. Maggie Lowden, when asked about her team’s goal said, “Our goal is definitely lofty…. But with the help of our community, friends, and family, we feel it is accomplishable!” Twelve other Upper St Clair High School students are team members of LLS All-Stars. Team member Felipe Mola Curi spoke about what he has learned from the experience thus far: “LLS SoY has taught me so much about communication and leadership; I’m so glad our fundraising efforts will have a positive impact on cancer patients and their families.” Stephanie and Maggie plan on continuing to work with LLS past the end of their campaign in the form of a legacy team.

Both girls are so happy to keep the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Students of the Year program continuing at Upper St. Clair High School! Team LLS All-Stars is still accepting donations until March 26th. Please use this link: https://events.lls.org/wpa/wpasoy21/tllsallsta.