Like many useful skills and traits, philanthropy can be cultivated in youth. It’s important to get students involved with meaningful causes and to teach them that they can make an impact. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) understands this philosophy, and through its Students of the Year campaign, the nonprofit engages high school and college students in its mission of curing blood cancers and improving quality of life for patients and their families.

As part of the program, students raise money for LLS throughout a seven-week period. They receive guidance and mentoring from high-level business professionals, and at the end, titles are awarded to the students who raised the most. “I think it is a great opportunity for students to give back and learn the value of helping their communities,” says Stephanie Arnold, chair of the program’s Grand Finale event. “It’s also an excellent opportunity for networking and developing leadership skills.” She adds that it’s a notable way for students to distinguish themselves on college and scholarship applications, too.

Arnold understands the importance of funding blood cancer research. “My father battled leukemia for 20 years, so I have a deeply personal connection to the cause,” she says. Students of the Year helps raise crucial funds to support research and LLS services. Each year, the organization invests millions of dollars in research to cure and treat blood cancers. In 2017 alone, there were 18 FDA approvals for therapies to treat blood cancers, and LLS helped fund 15 of them. The recent breakthroughs include CAR-T immunotherapy to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and four therapies for acute myeloid leukemia. LLS also supports more than 13,000 patients and caretakers with services like financial aid, support groups, education programs and LLS Community, a new online social network for people living with blood cancer and their caregivers.

Each year, LLS selects two young patients to serve as Honored Heroes to inspire the Students of the Year participants. This year, the Honored Heroes are Johnny and Alexia, both of whom have acute lymphoblastic leukemia. “They are a constant reminder to the students of why they are working so hard and how their work impacts patients and their families,” Arnold says. Alexia’s mother, Stephani, is happy her daughter was selected because the program brings awareness to the disease.

Alexia was diagnosed in June 2016 when she was just 2 years old. Stephani says the next few months were filled with treatments, fevers, mobility issues and weight loss. But Alexia persevered through it all, and after six months of physical therapy, she was back to smiling and toddling around. Like Alexia, Johnny’s diagnosis came as a devastating shock. His first attempt at chemotherapy ended in a complication that caused seizures, but he has made great strides with new treatment. Both families are thankful to LLS and its community of support, including the students fundraising in their children’s honor. “I just really want to thank LLS and all of the participants,” Stephani says. “We really appreciate it.”

This year, Students of the Year kicked off Feb.16 and will conclude April 6 with the Grand Finale at The Cheshire. “It is a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate the difference these students have made for blood cancer patients,” Arnold says. “We’d love as many people as possible to join us in honoring their achievements.”

Pictured above: Alexia and Johnny, Honored Heroes of the Students of the Year campaign
Photo courtesy of Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society works to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Its Students of the Year program engages high school and college students in philanthropy and leadership development. Pictured on the cover: Students of the Year participants, seated: Alexandra Hayes, Ashley Zeiter, Malahja Smith, Danielle Kilburn. Standing: Johnny Griese, Gabby Botindari, Kartik Deshpande. For more information, call 314.590.2230 or visit lls.org/gateway. 

Cover design by Julie Streiler | Cover photo by Charles Barnes