When I first learned about Jason’s nomination for Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS) Visionary of the Year, I had lots of thoughts running through my mind which included excitement, nervousness, and some anxiousness. I remember thinking….How do we raise big money? Do we really only get 10 weeks? Whatever the outcome, we will give it our best shot.
Honestly, I did not know all of the things LLS accomplishes before this opportunity but learned how much this organization helps fund research, advocacy, and education.
This whole experience was completely out of my comfort zone as I was challenged to ask people for money for 10 weeks. I will be honest and say that I was scared at times but in my heart knew that good comes out of the donations. As I started to contact people I knew through email, text messages and social media, I realized that so many people are willing to give to good causes with an added benefit of a tax deduction. Once I saw people freely giving money, I realized how generous people are in their heart and want to see good come from their donations. Did everyone I contact donate? No. We all live full lives and maybe some didn’t see my messages, some were in a place unable to give, and others did not respond for unknown reasons. The people who gave money donated in a big way!!
I can remember talking to God before the campaign started. Fun fact about me, I like to win competitions and knew this was going to be challenging. During my prayer time I would ask God to help me not stress about this and to be successful. I felt in my spirit where He told me “just have fun.” That’s not an easy answer for a girl who likes to win. So, along the way, I just did my best to have fun with planning and attending fundraisers and even while messaging people I knew daily. I realized it became “fun” getting to reconnect with those I had not talked with in a while and even meeting new people along the way. I am a person that thrives from relationships and hearing stories of others overcoming obstacles which is how this experience became fun for me.
As I shared my story of surviving Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), I was able to share how LLS advocated for FDA approval of a targeted drug called Venclexta which allowed me a year long treatment plan instead of taking a medication the rest of my life. I was a direct recipient of others who had donated previously to this organization and was honored to be able to return the favor so that future patients can take even better targeted medications with less side effects. Due to the opportunity to share my story, I was able to learn of others who are currently going through their own cancer journey and those who are caring for loved ones fighting for their lives. As I heard the stories of others, I was given an opportunity to pray with and for them as well as give words of encouragement and hope.
In some ways, this campaign felt like the longest 10 weeks of my life but was super rewarding. Our team, The CUREsaders, raised over $88,000!! Most of the money raised was from individual donations from people we know. Jason and I are grateful for each person that contributed to our total and for our team that worked hard asking for donations and helping with fundraisers along the way. Although our team did not come out on top, this experience is one that will always have a special place in my heart due to the people I connected with in this short length of time. I look forward to helping promote and being involved with fundraisers in the future to support LLS.
“Let each one give (thoughtfully and with purpose) just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver(and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift)” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (AMP)
You are such an awesome person and friend.
Thank you