Cancers have impacted many families, including my own. Right around the time of my birth, my grandfather was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer. The doctors removed a significant portion of his colon and he underwent months of chemotherapy treatment. He got better and was able to visit my family here in Folsom. I was told I never wanted to get out of his hands when he was carrying me. A few years later the cancer returned and my grandfather went through chemotherapy again. My father took a break from work to be with my grandfather and I was fortunate to spend a few months with him in India. My grandfather fought cancer very hard with the help of family and health professionals, but eventually it took him away from us after surviving for 5 years.

Thankfully, due to the tireless efforts of organizations like LLS, survival rates for all cancer patients have been increasing significantly. All the money that we raise goes directly to the largest blood cancer research program in the nation, LLS, to fund cutting-edge research and treatments. In fact, the treatments that LLS is funding benefit non-blood cancer patients too. More than 40% of new cancer treatment drugs approved by the FDA since 2004 started as blood cancer drugs are now being applied in other forms of cancer.

My campaign will provide support to the critical work of LLS in hopes that one day no one will have to grow up without their loved ones. I know that with your help, I can reach my goal and make a direct impact in the fight against cancers. I thank you in advance for partnering with a campaign so close to my heart. To make your donation go further—check if your company matches charitable gifts.