By MadaLynn Rocha —
O’NEALS — Every year the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) holds an annual seven week campaign that specially selects students from the Central Valley for participation. For seven weeks students advocate to raise awareness and funds for blood cancer research.
In November of 2017 my grandfather, Richard Tobin, was diagnosed with stage 4 large B-cell lymphoma. Three days after finding out about his diagnosis, I was contacted by LLS and told of my nomination for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Student of the Year (SOY) campaign. I knew it was a sign of some sort and decided to take part in something that could help my grandpa’s situation and that of similar patients.
Simultaneously during my campaign, my grandfather fought bravely against his disease. His clever humor never dried up and he never stopped telling me stories about his accomplished and adventurous life.
In May of 2018, after my first LLS SOY campaign ended, my grandfather passed away. There is nothing more I wish to do than honor his memory. Therefore, I have been given the opportunity to campaign again this year for him. My goal is to raise as much awareness and as many funds as possible; hopefully I can save someone else’s grandfather one day.
I wish to share this journey with you and ask you to support the battle against blood cancers alongside me. Your support will further fund research for new cures and aid patients and their families as they go through the fight of their life. I hope to raise $30,000 during my campaign, which began on Feb. 12 and will continue through Apr. 5. With your help my goal will be a reality. Here are three main ways you can contribute to my campaign:
- Make a tax deductible donation today via my online webpage (LLS Tax ID #13-5644916)
- Donate goods or services for the LLS Student of the Year Grand Finale under my name
- Share my message and goal with your own friends and family on social media
You can also write a check payable to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at 340 W. Fallbrook Ave Suite 101 Fresno CA 93711. Remember to write MadaLynn Rocha in the ‘Memo’ section.
If you want to donate goods or services for auction items, sponsorships, ads, or other possible fundraising opportunities, please contact me at MadaLynnRochaaa@icloud.com. or by phone at (559)-288-6779.
I ask that you please support not only me but cancer patients everywhere, by standing behind my efforts to raise money and awareness. On the behalf of my grandfather, LLS, and cancer patients everywhere: Every bit of support contributes to the bigger goal of beating blood cancer now. Someday IS today to take action! Thank you.
With Love,
MadaLynn Rocha
