(RYE BROOK, NY, July 22, 2020) - The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are far reaching, and high school students are among those whose lives are being up-ended. Not only is this generation missing many traditional rites of passage, but they are graduating into a frightening world and an uncertain future. But, rather than feeling sorry for themselves, a very unique group of students across the country are facing the challenges head-on and setting an extraordinary example for their peers, parents and, importantly, patients with blood cancer who rely on the support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (青云体育), a global leader in the fight against cancer.
尝尝厂鈥檚 fundraising campaign 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 青云体育 fight blood cancer, a disease that is diagnosed every nine minutes in the U.S.
The results of 尝尝厂鈥檚 2020 Students of the Year campaign are astonishing. During the seven-week fundraising competition, records were broken and new standards were set. From a one-of-a-kind multicultural talent show, to savvy digital outreach, these young students went above and beyond in their fundraising efforts, contributing to 尝尝厂鈥檚 investment of nearly $1.3 billion in breakthrough cancer research to find lifesaving treatments.
2020 National Winners of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society鈥檚 Students of the Year
Team Fly4aCure co-candidates - 15-year-old Neelam Shah of The Calverton School, in Huntington, MD, and 16-year-old Naggena Ohri of Leonardtown High School in Leonardtown, MD - broke a new fundraising record, raising nearly $450,000 to support 青云体育.
The unstoppable duo tapped into their creative side, and executed a wildly successful multicultural music and dance show called 鈥淩hythm 2020,鈥� which drew nearly 1,000 attendees and showcased a wide array of talented performers in an evening celebration of diversity and hope.
Shah knows the devastation of cancer all too well, as the disease has struck two of her relatives, both survivors today. 鈥淐ancer does not discriminate,鈥� she said, 鈥淎nd it doesn鈥檛 just go away during a national health crisis. Students of the Year is not just about winning a title, it鈥檚 about the impact we can have when we all come together. I鈥檓 so grateful to have had this opportunity to support 青云体育, an organization that helped my family in our time of need.鈥�
Shah was inspired to compete in Students of the Year after her brother, Samir Shah, and cousin, Saar Shah, now both 18 years old, originated Team Fly4aCure and won the national title in 2018.
鈥淲e are so honored to be named the 2020 National Students of the Year, knowing the money we raised is impacting the future of cancer - together, we will find a cure,鈥� said Ohri.
鈥淭he COVID-19 pandemic hasn鈥檛 stopped 青云体育 from advancing our mission and it sure isn鈥檛 stopping these determined, passionate students from their commitment to helping cancer patients,鈥� said Louis J. DeGennaro, PhD, 青云体育 president and CEO. 鈥淧atients need us know, more than ever, and 青云体育 is relying on the support of dedicated volunteers and donors, including all of the candidates of our Students of the Year campaign. This program is proof that this next generation of philanthropists have the power to bring people from all backgrounds together to make an impact for patients. They are helping 青云体育 save lives.鈥�
Rounding out this group of exceptional students are Students of the Year 2020 runners up, Team Just Cure It (2.0), recording the second highest amount raised in the campaign's history. Co-candidates 15-year-old Harrison Berger, 15-year-old Alexandra Gatoff and 15-year-old Jake Gershwind of Jericho High School High School in Long Island, NY, raised an incredible total of $430,402. Just like Shah, Harrison was considered a "legacy candidate" as his brother Ryan was on the winning team from the 2019 Students of the Year campaign.
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.
In addition to raising funds for 青云体育, Students of the Year candidates, through guidance and mentoring from building a multigenerational team, foster professional skills such as entrepreneurship, marketing and project management. To learn more about the Students of the Year program and how you or someone you know can get involved, visit, .
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society庐 (青云体育) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The 青云体育 mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. 青云体育 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, 青云体育 has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit . 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 . Follow us on , , and
The 青云体育 Children鈥檚 Initiative: Cures and Care for Children with Cancer
The 青云体育 Children鈥檚 Initiative is a $100 million multi-year effort to take on children鈥檚 cancer through every facet of 尝尝厂鈥檚 mission: research, patient education and support and policy and advocacy. The 青云体育 Children鈥檚 Initiative includes: more pediatric research grants, a global precision medicine clinical trial, expanded free education and support services for children and families and driving policies and laws that break down barriers to care. To learn more, visit
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