Alexandria, VA (January 8, 2022) – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Mid-Atlantic Region has announced the 18 candidate teams who have signed up for Students of the Year– an innovative fundraising campaign that brings together thousands of students across the country from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are extraordinarily driven to reach their own personal fundraising best and, ultimately, help LLS fight blood cancer, a disease that is diagnosed every 180 seconds in the U.S.
Students of the Year is a seven-week philanthropic leadership development program, during which students foster professional skills such as entrepreneurship, marketing, and project management in order to raise funds for LLS. Top local fundraisers become eligible to win the national title, awarded at the grand finale on Saturday, February 26. The students raise money in honor of a local patient hero who is currently battling or is in remission from a blood cancer. This year the Loudoun County Honored Hero is 15-year-old sophomore Ethan Tehan. When Ethan was three years old, he was diagnosed with leukemia. Today Ethan is still fighting the aftereffects from his treatments. Ethan’s motto in life is to “never give up”, and the 2022 Students of the Year will work hard to do the same in honor and support of Ethan.
The funds raised through Students of the Year are used for:
- Research to advance lifesaving therapies like immunotherapy, genomics, and personalized medicine, which are saving lives today.
- Free blood cancer information, education and support for patients and families.
- National and local advocacy efforts driving policies that accelerate new treatments and ensure patients have access to care so that they can live longer, healthier lives.
Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $1.3 billion in cutting edge blood cancer research worldwide, and its support has been instrumental in the development of nearly every breakthrough in blood cancer treatment. To address the unique concerns of blood cancer patients throughout the pandemic, LLS has amplified its longstanding efforts to provide free information and support to blood cancer patients and their families, while also advocating for policies that will protect patients.
“Blood cancer patients need support now, more than ever, and it’s so incredible to watch these unstoppable students work so hard to bring us closer to a world without blood cancer,” said Ria Freydberg, executive director for LLS’s Mid-Atlantic Region. “The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t stopped LLS from advancing our mission and it sure isn’t stopping these determined students from their commitment to helping blood cancer patients, even if it means pivoting to a virtual fundraising strategy when needed.”
For motivated high school students, Students of the Year ensures they stand out among their peers when engaging with colleges and future employers. Through guidance and mentoring from experienced professionals at LLS, they will make a real impact in the fight against blood cancers.
To learn more about LLS’s Students of the Year program and how it might work for you or someone you know, visit: www.studentsoftheyear.org
Announcing the Students of the Year 2022 Candidates:
Sofia A., Freedom High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2024
Lauren A., Riverside High School, Class of 2024
Ferris B., John Champe High School, Class of 2022
Mahika B., Woodgrove High School, Class of 2023
Sriya B., John Champe High School, Class of 2023
Sarah C., Heritage High school & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2023
Ananya C., John Champe High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2023
Anika D., Briar Woods High School, Class of 2022
Ridhi D., Briar Woods High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2024
Aaron E., Riverside High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2023
Rahitha G., Freedom High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2023
Fatma Dilara H., Briar Woods High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2023
Alexandra H., Loudoun County High School, Class of 2023
Maggie H., Loudoun County High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2021
Shruti K., Briar Woods High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2024
Aleezah K., Independence High School, Class of 2023
Piyusha K., John Champe High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2024
Kushi K., Independence High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2024
Sarah L., Riverside High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2023
Medha M., Dominion High School, Class of 2023
Nashmia P., Rock Ridge High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2024
Meghan P., Freedom High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2023
Mayukha R., Briar Woods High School, Class of 2022
Laysha R., Loudoun County High School, Class of 2023
Reese R., Rock Ridge High School, Class of 2023
Kayley S., Dominion High School, Class of 2023
Eeshika S., Independence High School, Class of 2023
Kiersten S., Lightridge High School, Class of 2024
Akshara S., Rock Ridge High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2023
Sanya S., Heritage High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2023
Reed S., John Champe High School, Class of 2022
Heidi T., Freedom High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2023
Aanya W., Independence High School, Class of 2023
Tatiana W., Tuscarora High School, Class of 2023
Amelie W., Independence High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2024
Camryn W., Tuscarora High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2023
Christina Z., John Champe High School & Academies of Loudoun, Class of 2024
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, LLS has regions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
For additional information visit lls.org/lls-newsnetwork. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About The Mid-Atlantic Region
LLS serves more than 150 markets across the country. These markets are grouped into 27 Regions and the Mid-Atlantic is one of the highest revenue-generating regions in the nation. The Mid-Atlantic serves Washington, D.C.; Maryland; and the Virginia Counties of Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria and Prince William. In 2020 LLS invested $1.3 million locally towards research, we reached 1,690 households through education & outreach and 629 patients were connected with support services.
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