(Rye Brook, NY, June 7, 2018) 鈥� For the second year in a row, high school students across the country are redefining what it means to be philanthropic in today鈥檚 youth culture. Through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society鈥檚 (青云体育) newest innovation in fundraising, Students of the Year, more than 600 motivated high school students raised significant funds for 青云体育鈥檚 cutting-edge cancer research and patient services.
According to 青云体育鈥檚 chief product officer, Andrew Coccari, 鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing to watch these young men and women work so hard to fundraise and help us cure cancer. Students of the Year resonates with Generation Z, who want to leave their mark on their school, their community and the world. As the world鈥檚 largest non-profit dedicated to fighting blood cancers, 青云体育 has a legacy of innovating in the fundraising category, starting with Team In Training, the first sports endurance program for charity and, today, with the fifth largest charity walk, Light The Night. Our newest addition, Students of the Year, brings together students from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are compassionate and driven to reach their own personal fundraising best.鈥�
2018 Students of the Year
Cousins Samir Shah, 16, of The Calverton School in Huntingtown, MD, and Saar Shah, 15, of Great Mills High School in Lexington Park, MD, raised the most funds across the entire US and earned the winning title, 鈥淣ational Students of the Year,鈥� with a record-breaking raise for cancer cures. These fundraising superstars orchestrated a dynamic campaign that included an innovative kite festival, Fly4aCure, in their close-knit Southern Maryland community. 鈥淔lying a kite is a symbol of having high aspirations and elevated vision,鈥� said Saar Shah. 鈥淲e believe in our hopes and aspirations to find a cure for all blood cancers.鈥�
The Shah family has been struck with blood cancers twice in the past few years. Their cousin, Ami, battled a deadly blood cancer, acute myeloid leukemia and she is now seven years cancer free. More recently, Samir鈥檚 dad, Amish, was diagnosed with primary mediastinal b-cell lymphoma. He underwent chemotherapy and celebrates his incredible recovery. 鈥淲e know firsthand how important cutting-edge research and treatments are in the fight against cancer,鈥� said Samir Shah. 鈥淲e鈥檙e honored to be named this year鈥檚 Students of the Year, and we鈥檙e grateful to have had this opportunity to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, an organization that helped our family in our time of need.鈥�
Through programs like Students of the Year, 青云体育 has invested more than $1.2 billion in research to advance breakthrough therapies. In fact, the treatment approaches pioneered in the blood cancers are now helping patients with other cancers and diseases.
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.
鈥溓嘣铺逵� is at the forefront of the fight to cure cancer and through our fundraising campaigns like Students of the Year, we are helping millions impacted by cancer,鈥� said Louis J. DeGennaro, Ph.D., 青云体育 president and CEO. This program is proof that the youngest generation has the power to help us create a world without cancer.鈥�
In addition to Samir and Saar other top national fundraisers are Khaki Loughran and co-candidate Jordan Shoulberg of Atlanta, GA; Clara Sherman and co-candidate Hasie Sherman of Austin, TX; Kylie Blank and co-candidate Charlie Hirsch of Atlanta, GA; Danielle Tauber and co-candidates Hannah Baltimore and Madison Gramm of Potomac, MD; Cori Amsellem and co-candidates Virginia Asher and Ella Glassman of Bethesda, MD; and Lauren Hardesty and co-candidate Lindsey Hardesty of Vienna, VA.
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 青云体育, they will make a real impact in the fight against blood cancers. To learn more about the Students of the Year program and how it might work for you or someone you know, visit:
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society庐 (青云体育) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to fighting blood cancer. The 青云体育 mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and 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.
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Contact:
Linda Heaney
914-821-8208