My Fundraising Page

Hello, and welcome ^.^

Hey everyone. I'm Emily. I would like to tell you a little bit about Light The Night. Light The Night is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's evening walk and fundraising event. It is the nation's night to pay tribute and bring hope to thousands of people battling blood cancers and to commemorate loved ones lost.

I decided to start a Light The Night team, because in 2006 at the age of 18 I was diagnosed with bone marrow disorder, classified as a Myeloproliferative Disorder (MPD). It is called Essential Thrombocytosis, or ET. The mean age of diagnosis for this disease is approx. 50. This is a chronic disease that affects the bone marrow causing it to overproduce platelets (clotting factor) in the blood stream. There is currently no cure for this disease. The forms of treatment I am on are two chemo-meds, blood thinners, and occasionally pheresis (having my blood filtered, to remove excess platelets from my system). In order to diagnose this disease, I underwent several blood tests, and the disease was finally confirmed with a bone marrow biopsy. It was concluded that I have Essential Thrombocytosis, JAK2 negative. Currently the treatments are keeping my levels regulated. Unfortunately this disease is degenerative, and can eventually mutate into Myelofibrosis, or eventually AML. This is why we need your help.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) funds lifesaving research that has contributed to major advances in the treatment of blood cancers and treatments for other types of cancer, such as chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. These treatments have helped patients live better, longer lives. New targeted therapies that kill cancer cells without harming normal tissue are providing drugs and procedures that are improving quality of life.

• A donation of $25 provides patients and their loved ones with FREE booklets that contain up-to-date information on their disease and help them make informed decisions about their treatment options.
• A donation of $50 makes possible a Family Support group with a trained facilitator where comfort can be found and experiences can be shared among patients and family members.
• A donation of $100 helps supply laboratory researchers with supplies and materials critical to carrying out their search for cures.
• A donation of $1,000 makes possible one- on-one conversations with health care specialists who provide patients with information about their disease, treatment options, and helps prepare them with questions for their health care team.

Please make a donation to support my participation in the Light The Night Walk and help save lives. Be sure to check my Web site frequently to see my progress, and thanks for your support!

Through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, I have met many wonderful people, fighting many different blood disorders and cancers. All of these people need your help. Please forward this information on to friends, family, coworkers, anyone who might be interested in helping.

From myself, and all of my friends at LLS, thank you so much for your support!