In 2016 I received one of the scariest calls. My 9-year-old niece had just been diagnosed with leukemia. I live on the opposite side of the country. I was by her side in under 12 hours where I spent the next month trading shifts with her mom as we watched her struggle through treatment. During her hospital stay, we learned of several children from our small community battling the same cancer. I began advocating for these kids and the situation grew bigger than we could have ever could have imagined. That story is for another time.
I eventually had to come back home to Seattle. While in Seattle I felt helpless and like I wasn’t doing enough. I was watching from the sidelines as multiple children battling blood cancers. That’s when I found The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). I resonated deeply with their mission. I began volunteering at every event, in the home office, and now lobbying with the public policy sector. I have witnessed firsthand how LLS helps those going through blood cancers personally and on a wider scale. LLS supports financially, offers guidance, funds research, and advocates for bills and policies for better care. I am proud to give my support and be a part of the LLS community.
Written by aunt
Haley
Leukemia
