For years, the LLS, otherwise known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, has been one of the largest organizations dedicated to supporting patients and actively researching, has made a huge impact on treatment and research for blood cancer. With a focus on leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, the organization plays a huge role in helping thousands of lives, offering everything from financial aid to emotional support. The LLS has also made a large impact on our community, specifically our school.
“The support from our Port Washington community, along with my friends and family, meant a lot to us. I’m really grateful for everyone’s contributions; they made a big impact,” said sophomore Gabe Jaffe.
Many students have raised funds to promote and support the LLS. Jaffe and juniors Bryce Riggio, Charlie Eustace, Estee Greenberg, and Drew Sobel have all participated in the seven-week Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign. Their goal was to raise as much as possible for LLS’ mission to cure blood cancers.
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, characterized by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells. These cells crowd out healthy cells, impairing the body’s ability to fight infection and carry oxygen. Treatment can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplants.
LLS is a global leader in the fight against blood cancer, funding cutting-edge research, mobilizing thousands of advocates to drive policy changes leading to the development of new cancers and better care, and providing free education and support for blood cancer patients and families. Student Visionaries of the Year is a groundbreaking philanthropic leadership development program for high school students, run by LLS, where five Schreiber students spent two months fundraising for these causes.
Eustace, Jaffe, and Riggio formed “Team Knocking Out Cancer,” raising over $54,000 and placing as one of the top Student Visionaries of the Year on Long Island. They received the Hero award for the amount of money they raised, which was made possible through efforts including hosting events at local businesses including Smashburger, Just Salad, Ikedo, and 16 Handles.
Also, personal outreach, social media campaigns, gaining endorsement from public figures through Jaffe’s radio show, “Epic Entertainment Roundup,” and the help of all of their dedicated team members. Team Knocking Out Cancer also hosted an event at the girls varsity basketball game with desserts sponsored by Crazy Cakes, and received donations from Nicole Rose Hair Salon, Dimaggio’s Pizza, Minuteman Press, Stresa, Lifestyle Cafe, Joseph’s, and the Port Washington Diner.
They focused their fundraising on patient support, aligning with their beliefs that no one should face cancer alone. Jaffe was inspired to participate in honor of his mom, who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when he was a toddler. Luckily, she survived, but ever since Jaffe has done his best to fundraise for those battling blood cancer and their families.
“Being part of the Student Visionaries Campaign was a truly rewarding experience. I was driven by a deep personal connection to the cause because of my mom,” said Jaffe.
Riggio also connected with the cause, as he felt a responsibility after his grandmother passed away from Leukemia complications. He was further inspired by the cause after meeting a first grade boy, Elijah, who is a recent blood cancer survivor. The third member of this team, Charlie, noted the competition as a truly enlightening experience, and stated that he’d love to do more fundraising, especially by combining it with his passion for nature and environmental conservation.
Sobel and Greenberg formed a team as well after hearing about LLS through a friend. They were motivated to help this cause because of their connection to cancer patients, and were excited about the opportunity to make a difference. In the months leading up to the start of the fundraiser, Sobel and Greenberg discussed strategies for fundraising, building up their team, and discussing how to make the most of their seven weeks. They had many different fundraising approaches, such as promoting the LLS to family and friends, encouraging donations from others, and also running some events. One event was hosted at Smusht, where 20% of the store’s proceeds went towards the fundraiser. They also hosted a yoga class fundraiser..
“Raising money took a lot of hard work and time, but it was super enjoyable and rewarding knowing how much we are helping people. We did a couple of events and fundraisers that took a community for it to work but they ended up being great and super enjoyable,” said Greenberg.