May 25, 2016
On May 21, 2015, my friend’s ten year old granddaughter, Haley, was diagnosed with High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) which is the most common form of childhood leukemia. Haley has endured hundreds of oral chemotherapy doses at home, over 100 rounds of intravenous chemotherapy, 25 spinal tap chemotherapy injections, 5 blood transfusions, and numerous inpatient admissions. She endured hair loss twice, weight gain and weight loss. She is now in the maintenance phase of treatment which lasts for two years and includes oral chemotherapy daily and chemotherapy through her port once a month at the clinic.
I have joined Team Haley which is a group of 69 family and friends who are all participating in Team In Training to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I will be doing a race in the fall in Haley’s honor. I am very happy and proud to be a member of Team Haley and to join in the fight to find a cure for Haley’s dreadful cancer. To know Haley, is to know a beautiful, brave and strong 10 year old girl who does not deserve this dreadful cancer.
I also have a personal interest in helping to find a cure for blood cancers. I was diagnosed, January 2013, to have a low grade Lymphoma. For two years, I received treatment for the cancer. I am very grateful to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for their financial grant that helped me pay for my expensive treatments. At this time, my Lymphoma is not an aggressive cancer. I see my Oncologist every three months to monitor that the cancer does not become more aggressive.
The battle against blood cancers is far from won. Despite progress, more than one third of blood cancer patients sadly do not survive 5 years after their diagnosis. More funding is needed to advance research and help save more lives.
So, I am fighting for Haley and other blood cancer patients. I want Haley to know that I’ve done everything I can to help fund a cure along with better treatments. Together, we can change the lives of people affected by blood cancers. You can donate online or if you prefer, you may make a check out to LLS and send to it me.
Thank you for your support!
Walt
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all monetary donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by tax laws. Please check with your financial advisor if you have more questions.